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Should You Cut Off Venus Flytrap Flowers?
Venus flytaps (Dionaea muscipula) are obviously more renowned for their snappy modified leaves designed to trap insects, but they also produce flowers in the Spring. However, the question often arises at this time of year: Should you cut off Venus flytrap flowers?
The answer to this question varies depending on who you ask, but I'm hoping that once you understand the pros and cons of removing Venus flytrap flowers, it will help you make an informed decision about what you want to do.
The Benefits of Cutting Off Venus Flytrap Flowers
1. Energy Conservation
The most compelling argument for removing Venus flytrap flowers is energy conservation. Flowering requires a significant amount of energy from the plant. By cutting off the flowers, you can redirect this energy towards the growth and health of the pitchers, which are the plant's primary means of nutrition through insect capture.
2. Enhanced Trap Sizes
When you remove the flowers, the plant can focus more on producing and maintaining its traps. This can, possibly, result in larger and more numerous traps, which can be particularly beneficial if you are growing Venus flytrap primarily for its insect-trapping capabilities.
3. Prevent Self-Seeding
Remember, Venus flytrap cultivars only propagate vegetatively, they do not come true from seed. Seeds from Dionaea 'DC XL' will not grow into Dionaea 'DC XL'! This is the #1 reason we do not allow our Venus flytraps to flower; we don't want our pots of cultivars to be invaded by anything that doesn't belong in there.
4. Propagate New Plants From Flower Cuttings
Did you know that you can grow clones of your plant from flower stalks? It's pretty cool. Snip the stalk when it's a couple of inches long and simply plant it in the soil. Quite often, the stalk will strike in the soil and produce a new plant. Please see the Instagram post below, You may as well follow us, too!
The Disadvantages of Cutting Off Venus Flytrap Flowers
1. Loss of Aesthetic Appeal
Venus flytrap flowers, while understated, are undeniably beautiful and offer a unique aesthetic to your flytrap collection. It's fascinating how they hold them high to avoid eating their pollinators! By removing the flowers, you miss out on this natural beauty, which can be a significant downside for many growers.
2. Reduced Seed Production
If you are interested in propagating your Venus flytrap through seeds, cutting off the flowers is counterproductive. The flowers are necessary for seed production, so removing them eliminates the possibility of harvesting seeds.
3. Disruption of Natural Cycles
Some gardeners prefer to let their plants go through their natural life cycles, which includes flowering and seed production. Cutting off the flowers can disrupt these natural cycles and potentially stress the plant (I personally do not see this in our plants).
It's Your Decision
Whether or not you should cut off Venus flytrap flowers depends on your priorities and the specific circumstances of your plant. If your main goal is to maximize the health and vigour of the pitchers, then removing the flowers might be the right choice. However, if you enjoy the aesthetic of the flowers or are interested in seed production, you might choose to leave them intact.
Final Word
Allowing a healthy Venus flytrap to fully flower will not kill it. Removing a Venus flytrap's flowers will not kill it. So, do what you like and enjoy your plants!
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