15 Fascinating Venus Flytrap Varieties & How They Eat

You’ll discover that Venus flytraps aren’t just simple bug-eating plants – they’re a diverse family of carnivorous wonders with distinct personalities and hunting styles. From the blood-red tips of the Red Dragon to the massive 2-inch traps of the B-52 Giant, each variety has evolved unique features to capture prey. While all Venus flytraps share the same snapping mechanism, their sizes, colors, and success rates vary considerably.

1. Red Dragon Flytrap

The Red Dragon Flytrap is a striking cultivar of the Venus Flytrap characterized by its deep burgundy-red traps and leaves. This variety develops an intense red coloration in its traps when exposed to adequate sunlight, making it one of the most visually appealing carnivorous plants. The traps grow to about 1 inch in length, and the entire plant typically reaches 5-6 inches in diameter when mature. Like all Venus Flytraps, it captures and digests insects for supplemental nutrients, though its vibrant coloring may make it particularly effective at attracting prey.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun; minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily; more sun exposure intensifies red coloration
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mixture of peat moss and sand (50:50 ratio); never use fertilizer or potting soil
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; tolerates winter dormancy down to 32°F (0°C)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels above 50%
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes; plastic or glazed ceramic preferred
• Feeding: Can catch its own prey; manual feeding not necessary but possible with insects every 2-4 weeks

2. Ginormous” Venus Flytrap Variety

The “Ginormous” Venus Flytrap is a cultivar known for producing considerably larger traps than typical Venus Flytraps, with individual traps capable of reaching up to 2 inches in length. This variety maintains the characteristic snap-trap mechanism of standard Venus Flytraps but can catch larger prey due to its increased size. The plant typically grows to about 5-7 inches in diameter and produces traps throughout its growing season, making it an impressive specimen among carnivorous plants.

• Light: Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; can tolerate full sun
• Water: Needs consistently moist soil; use only distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Grows best in nutrient-poor, acidic soil mix (50/50 peat moss and sand)
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity levels of 50% or higher
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Feeding: Can capture larger insects than standard varieties; supplemental feeding not required

3. B-52 Giant Venus Flytrap

The B-52 Giant Venus Flytrap is one of the largest cultivated varieties of Dionaea muscipula, known for producing impressive traps that can grow up to 2 inches in length. This cultivar was developed through selective breeding and features robust, dark green leaves with prominent “teeth” along the trap margins. The B-52’s size makes it particularly effective at catching larger prey compared to standard Venus flytraps, though it still primarily feeds on insects and arachnids. When well-maintained, the plant can reach up to 8 inches in diameter with multiple traps growing from its central rosette.

• Light: Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; can tolerate partial shade in extremely hot climates
• Water: Needs consistently moist soil; use only distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Grows best in nutrient-poor, acidic medium; mix of peat moss and sand (1:1 ratio)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels between 50-70%
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• pH Level: Soil should be acidic with pH between 4.5 and 5.5

4. Dentate Cultivar Venus Flytrap

The Dentate cultivar of Venus flytrap is characterized by its distinctive saw-like teeth along the trap margins, which are more pronounced and numerous than those found in typical Venus flytraps. This variety produces traps that are slightly smaller than the standard species but features more aggressive-looking serrations that give it a particularly menacing appearance. The foliage maintains a bright green color throughout the growing season, and the traps develop a reddish interior when exposed to adequate sunlight.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; soil should remain consistently moist
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and silica sand
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50-70%)
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; winter dormancy at 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• pH: 4.5-5.5 (acidic)
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes
• Growing Method: Tray method with 1 inch of standing water beneath pot

5. Low Giant Venus Flytrap

The Low Giant Venus Flytrap is a distinctive cultivar characterized by its compact growth habit and large traps. Despite its “giant” name, this variety grows close to the ground, forming a shorter rosette than typical Venus flytraps. The traps can reach impressive sizes up to 1.5 inches while maintaining a low profile, making it an intriguing specimen for collectors and growers who appreciate unique flytrap variations.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun; minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily; can tolerate more intense light than standard varieties
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; water with distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; maintain water level in tray during growing season
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 1:1 peat moss and silica sand; never use fertilized potting soil
• Temperature: Grows best between 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; requires winter dormancy at 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels above 50%
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes; plastic or glazed ceramic preferred
• pH: Acidic soil with pH between 4.5 and 5.5

6. Vigorous King Henry Cultivar

The King Henry cultivar is a robust and impressive Venus flytrap variety known for its large traps and vigorous growth habit. This cultivar produces substantial traps that can reach up to 1.5 inches in length, with distinctively deep red interiors and prominently pronounced teeth. The foliage maintains a healthy green color throughout the growing season, and the plant demonstrates exceptional vigor in both trap production and overall growth rate compared to typical Venus flytraps.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours daily); bright artificial light if grown indoors
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; keep soil consistently moist
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and sand, or pure long-fibered sphagnum moss
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50-70%)
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; winter dormancy at 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• pH: Acidic soil conditions (4.5-5.5 pH)
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes; plastic or glazed ceramic preferred

7. Clifford’s Red Cultivar Flytrap

Clifford’s Red Cultivar is a distinctive Venus flytrap variety known for its intensely red-colored traps and petioles. This cultivar develops a deep crimson coloration throughout its traps when exposed to adequate sunlight, making it one of the most visually striking Venus flytrap varieties. The traps remain smaller than typical Venus flytraps, typically reaching about 1 inch in length when fully mature, but they maintain the characteristic snap-trap mechanism for catching prey.

• Light: Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; bright artificial light can supplement natural light
• Water: Use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and silica sand
• Temperature: Prefers 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity levels of 50% or more
• Dormancy: Needs winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Feeding: Can catch its own prey; supplemental feeding of small insects every 2-4 weeks if grown indoors

8. Dente Venus Flytrap Cultivar

The Dente Venus Flytrap is a distinctive cultivar known for its unique trap formation, featuring prominent “teeth” along the trap margins that are longer and more pronounced than those of typical Venus flytraps. This cultivar produces medium-sized traps with elongated cilia (teeth) that can grow up to 3-4mm in length, giving it an especially fierce appearance. The name “Dente” comes from the Latin word for tooth, reflecting its distinguishing characteristic. When fully mature, the plant displays a vigorous growth habit with traps that are typically green with reddish interior coloring.

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours daily); bright artificial light if grown indoors
• Water Needs: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Soil Type: Nutrient-poor mix of peat moss and sand (50:50 ratio)
• Humidity: High humidity (50-70%)
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; tolerates brief winter temperatures down to 30°F (-1°C)
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with reduced temperatures
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes
• Growing Medium Depth: At least 4-5 inches deep for proper root development

9. Orange-throated Venus Flytrap

The Orange-throated Venus Flytrap is a striking cultivar of the carnivorous Dionaea muscipula, distinguished by its vibrant orange-red coloring inside the trap lobes. This coloration is most intense during the growing season and when exposed to adequate sunlight. Like the standard Venus Flytrap, it features hinged lobes lined with trigger hairs and cilia, but the orange interior creates an especially alluring target for prey insects.

• Light: Requires full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours daily); more sun intensifies the orange coloration
• Water: Use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of sphagnum peat moss and sand (1:1 ratio)
• Temperature: Prefers 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; needs winter dormancy at 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity levels above 50%
• Feeding: Catches insects naturally; manual feeding optional but not required
• Container: Use plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes

10. Yellow-flowered Venus Flytrap

The yellow-flowered Venus flytrap is a rare natural mutation of the standard Venus flytrap, featuring distinctive pale yellow flowers instead of the typical white blooms. This variety maintains all other characteristics of regular Venus flytraps, including the iconic snap traps and carnivorous feeding habits, but its unique flower color makes it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Like the standard variety, it produces flowers on tall stalks above the traps during spring, though the yellow coloration is its distinguishing feature.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; soil should remain consistently moist
• Soil: Nutrient-poor, acidic mix of sphagnum moss and sand (1:1 ratio)
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50-70%)
• Growing medium pH: 4.0-5.0
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Feeding: Same as standard Venus flytraps; insects every 2-4 weeks during growing season

11. All-Green Standard Venus Flytrap

The All-Green Standard Venus Flytrap is the most common and naturally occurring form of Dionaea muscipula, featuring bright green traps and leaves. This variety typically grows to 5-6 inches in diameter and produces traps about 1 inch in length. The leaves form a rosette pattern, and the plant displays classic tooth-like cilia along the trap margins. When healthy, the traps maintain a vibrant green color throughout the growing season and show red coloration inside the traps when exposed to adequate sunlight.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (6+ hours daily); bright direct sunlight promotes healthy growth
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; maintain constantly moist soil but not waterlogged
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and silica sand; avoid fertilizers or enriched potting soil
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels above 50%
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; winter dormancy at 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Container: Use plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes
• Feeding: Can catch prey naturally or be fed insects every 3-4 weeks during growing season

12. Blushing Venus Flytrap Cultivar

The Blushing Venus Flytrap cultivar is a striking variety characterized by its deep red interior traps and lime-green exterior. When exposed to sufficient sunlight, the inside of its traps develop an intense crimson coloration, creating a dramatic contrast with the outer surface. This cultivar typically grows to about 5 inches in diameter and produces traps that are slightly smaller than the typical Venus flytrap. The “blushing” characteristic becomes more pronounced during the growing season and with increased sun exposure.

• Light: Requires full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours daily); more sun exposure intensifies the red coloration
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only
• Soil: Well-draining mixture of peat moss and sand (50:50 ratio)
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels above 50%
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Feeding: Can catch prey naturally or be fed small insects every 3-4 weeks during growing season

13. Rare Purple-Tipped Venus Flytrap

The Purple-Tipped Venus Flytrap is a striking cultivar characterized by traps that develop rich purple coloration along their inner margins and teeth when exposed to sufficient sunlight. This rare variety maintains the same carnivorous behavior as standard Venus Flytraps but adds ornamental appeal with its distinctive purple hues, which become more intense during the growing season. While the plant’s body remains green, the purple tips create a stunning contrast that makes it particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (6+ hours daily); more sun exposure intensifies purple coloration
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of peat moss and sand (50:50 ratio)
• Humidity: Prefers 50% or higher humidity levels
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; tolerates winter dormancy down to 35°F (2°C)
• Feeding: Small insects once every 1-2 weeks during growing season
• Growing Medium pH: 4.5-5.5 (acidic)

14. Super-Compact Dwarf Flytrap

The Super-Compact Dwarf Flytrap is a miniature variety of Venus Flytrap that typically grows no taller than 2-3 inches in height. Its traps remain exceptionally small, usually less than 0.5 inches in length, making it perfect for terrariums and small indoor spaces. This cultivar maintains the same carnivorous characteristics as standard Venus Flytraps but in a more condensed form, with leaves growing in a tight rosette pattern and producing smaller prey-catching traps.

• Light: Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; can tolerate full sun to partial sun; grows well under strong artificial grow lights
• Water: Needs consistently moist soil; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; avoid tap water
• Soil: Requires nutrient-poor, acidic growing medium; mix of peat moss and sand (1:1 ratio)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels between 50-70%
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C)

15. Striped Petite Venus Flytrap

The Striped Petite Venus Flytrap is a compact cultivar characterized by its smaller size and distinctive white striping patterns on its traps. Growing only 3-4 inches in height, this variety features traps that are typically less than an inch in length, making it ideal for smaller growing spaces. The white stripes appear most prominently on the inner surfaces of the trap lobes, creating an eye-catching contrast against the green coloration. Despite its diminutive size, it remains an efficient predator and maintains the same carnivorous capabilities as larger varieties.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily); can tolerate bright artificial lighting
• Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only; maintain constantly moist soil
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and silica sand
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; winter dormancy at 35-50°F (2-10°C)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels above 50%
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes; plastic or glazed ceramic recommended
• Growing Medium Depth: Minimum 4 inches deep for proper root development