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Compost

The best medium for growing Venus Fly traps consists of 2 parts moss peat to 1 part silver sand and 1 part horticultural grit. This provides a water retentive but free draining mixture, that prevents the compost becoming stagnant when stood in water.

A good indication that the right balance has been achieved regarding the water retention properties of the compost, is moss growing on the surface. If too much water is present within the compost, then moss will not grow.  Care needs to be taken, especially with small plants that any moss does not overpower the immature Venus Fly Traps. 

If required the gravel can be replaced with additional silver sand, or just moss peat on its own can be used.  However if moss peat is used on its own, then watering becomes more critical in that the compost may tend to become waterlogged and stagnant, especially during the winter months. 

Conversely for sowing seed, then moss peat on its own is the best medium, however care should be taken not to compact the compost.  The best results are obtained if the peat is placed in a seed tray and simply levelled, this creates a loose mixture with ample air spaces.  Using this method it is imperative that the compost is watered from beneath by standing the seed tray in water. 

On no account should proprietary potting compost be used, this has been produced with nutrients and fertiliser added to the compost.  As the Venus Fly Trap has adapted to growing in a acid soil devoid of all nutrients the use of such a compost will rapidly kill the plant.  Similarly sedge peat is alkaline based and should not be used under any circumstances