Dionaea muscipula 'Big Mouth' - Venus Flytrap with Massive Traps

Dionaea muscipula 'Big Mouth' - Venus Flytrap with Massive Traps

Prepare to be amazed by the Dionaea muscipula 'Big Mouth', a captivating cultivar of the celebrated Venus Flytrap. Native to the wetlands of North Carolina, USA, this impressive variety lives up to its name with its massive red traps, which can reach astonishing sizes by October. As an added bonus, it's one of the earliest forms to emerge in spring, adding a touch of excitement to your carnivorous plant collection early in the growing season.

Distinctive Features

• Massive Traps: The 'Big Mouth' cultivar is renowned for its exceptionally large traps, which dwarf those of other Venus Flytraps. These impressive traps can reach up to 5 cm (2 in) in length, making them a formidable sight for unsuspecting prey.
• Early Spring Growth: This cultivar is one of the first Venus Flytraps to emerge in spring, adding a touch of life and excitement to your carnivorous plant collection early in the growing season.
• Vibrant Red Colouration: The traps of this cultivar exhibit a vibrant red colouration, especially when grown under good lighting conditions, adding to its visual appeal.

Care Tips

• Light: Provide bright indirect light or full sun for at least 6 hours a day to ensure vigorous growth and vibrant trap colouration. Ample light is essential for maximizing the size and colour intensity of the traps.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Use distilled water or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup, which can be harmful to this sensitive plant.
• Humidity: As with other Venus Flytrap cultivars, the 'Big Mouth' prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Consider using a humidity tray or misting regularly to maintain optimal conditions.
• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the growing season (spring and summer). In winter, provide a cooler dormancy period at around 5-10°C (41-50°F) to mimic its natural growth cycle.
• Fertiliser: No need for fertiliser! This carnivorous plant obtains its nutrients from the insects it captures, making it a fascinating and low-maintenance addition to your plant collection.
• Potting: Repot every 1-2 years in spring using a well-draining, acidic potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the previous one to accommodate its growth.
• Propagation: Propagation can be done through division of the rhizome, leaf cuttings, or seed. However, be patient, as it requires some skill and time.

Additional Notes

• The 'Big Mouth' Venus Flytrap is a captivating conversation starter and a rewarding plant to cultivate. With proper care, you can enjoy its impressive traps and early spring growth for years to come.
• Remember to avoid touching the trigger hairs inside the traps, as this can cause them to close prematurely and expend unnecessary energy.
• Although non-toxic to pets and humans, it's always best to keep curious hands and paws away from this captivating carnivore.