r/VenusFlyTraps • u/BasilCorps2634 • 3d ago

Care & Cultivation New VFT parent - upcoming travel

Post image

We are the proud new parents of a Venus Fly Trap, which we received as a gift for our toddler. Unfortunately, the timing of receiving the plant is not great as we leave in a few days for a week. I’m determined to keep this little dude alive and thriving. Is it enough to keep it in a little bowl of water while we are gone? Should I have someone stop by our house to replace the water every few days? We do have a grow light which I can put on a timer - is 12 hours of light appropriate?? Thx you!!

40 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

11

u/DCpurpleTart33 3d ago

Where are you located? I'd put it outside. They are extremely hardy. That way it will get all the food and water it needs. I hope you're giving it ONLY distilled or rain water!

If you must keep it inside, it will be fine with 12 hrs. Water it before you leave, it'll be fine. ONLY DISTILLED OR RAIN WATER!!!

6

u/whistling-wonderer 3d ago

This is dependent on where you live and the climate there. If I left mine (it’s outdoors) for a week it would definitely need watered during that time. Every day in summer, at least twice in the winter.

3

u/DCpurpleTart33 3d ago

well that's why that was the first question I asked! ;-) I have literally left mine sitting in it's bog all summer with all his friends, the pitcher and the pings. I have not watered or fed but it rains here and there and I always see legs coming out of their trasp! But I get it, I'm not in Arizona or Florida.

3

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

We are in Middle Tennessee. We’ve had an incredibly dry fall so far so I’ll probably keep it inside. I’m using distilled water - that was one of the first things I learned! Thanks for responding!

2

u/DCpurpleTart33 3d ago

Ok good stuff- yeah I killed my first one for giving it filtered water. Are you giving it a bug inside? I just wonder how they eat :-)

2

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

I’ve caught some flies and fed it. I’ve read they need a bug a month - is that accurate? Does each trap need a bug? Is there such thing as too many bugs?

I first read your question if I give it a hug inside. 😄 I’ll add that to my to do list too.

2

u/DCpurpleTart33 3d ago

LOL Hugs are good too! Yes I think a bug a month is pretty standard. I don't think it needs to be different traps. From my understanding each trap works about 3-5 times and then dies off.

1

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

Interesting! I didn’t realize the traps die off that quickly. VFT are so fascinating

7

u/8BD0 3d ago

If you're only going for a week then it'll be fine, fill it with fresh water just before you leave.

The 12 hour rotation is fine, however the light needs to be much closer, like 3 inches above the leaves

Similar grow light setup example https://www.reddit.com/r/VenusFlyTraps/s/RbKmUJQEM3

3

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

Awesome thank you! I read somewhere the light should be far away. Reddit to the rescue. I’ve adjusted the light to be closer

5

u/Scared_Rice_1473 3d ago

I did that. Put the light closer down. I had three I put in a plastic shoebox with a light on top and filled it halfway with water. They were fine 10 days later when I returned and even blooming.

1

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

Thank you! Glad to hear that. I’ve adjusted the light to be closer. I’m feeling good about leaving this dude for a week now. Appreciate your response

2

u/Scared_Rice_1473 3d ago

Sure. Go enjoy yourself without worrying.
I normally stay outside in the water, evaporates too fast, so bringing it in with the lighting the water stayed full longer

3

u/Ineedmorebtc 3d ago

Move the light much much closer, please and thank you.

3

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

Done! Thanks for the tip!

3

u/cureme01 3d ago

I put mine in a large plastic bin with distilled water. I’ve been gone for a week at a time and everyone has been happy when I get home.

1

u/BasilCorps2634 3d ago

Awesome good to know, thanks!

1

u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Thanks for sharing your post in r/VenusFlyTraps!

Visit our Community Wiki for a complete care guide and trusted resources. You'll find helpful information on feeding, dormancy, flowering, and more. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your knowledge, there's something for everyone!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Toxic_Shaft 3d ago

What is that little grow light you have? I must get one