Comming NOVEMBER 2024

1-3 Plants in a Tissue Culture Cup
Botanical Name:
Dionaea muscipula 'Devil's Eyes'

Visual Description:
The Venus Fly Trap Dionaea muscipula 'Devil's Eyes' is a striking variety known for its menacingly dark red to almost black trap interiors, reminiscent of piercing eyes. This variety features large, robust traps with deep maroon coloring that contrasts sharply with its vibrant green outer leaves, giving it a bold, sinister look. The traps are lined with fang-like cilia that add to its intimidating appearance. Even in its tissue culture stage, 'Devil's Eyes' displays its dramatic color contrast and powerful trap structure, making it an exceptional addition to any carnivorous plant collection.

Key Features:

• Dark Red to Black Traps: The deep red and nearly black interiors of the traps make 'Devil's Eyes' one of the most visually striking Venus Fly Trap varieties. Its intense coloration is enhanced by bright sunlight, creating a dramatic effect.
• Carnivorous Function: Like all Venus Fly Traps, 'Devil's Eyes' captures and digests insects using its specialized traps, which snap shut when prey triggers its sensitive hairs. This adaptation allows the plant to thrive in nutrient-poor environments by absorbing nutrients from its prey.
• Eye-Catching Contrast: The vibrant green leaves with their dark trap interiors create a stunning contrast, making this plant a standout in any carnivorous plant display.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Requires full sun to develop its dark red to black coloration and support healthy trap growth. Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal health.
• Water: Use rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. Keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged, and never allow the plant to sit in standing water. Avoid tap water, as it contains minerals that can harm the plant.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 15-30°C. During the winter, the plant needs a dormancy period with cooler temperatures around 5-10°C to maintain long-term health.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels (50-70%) for optimal growth but can adapt to lower humidity once acclimated.

Tissue Culture Care and Hardening:

Upon receiving your Dionaea muscipula 'Devil's Eyes' in its tissue culture cup, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition to its permanent growing environment:

• Gradual Humidity Reduction: Start by placing the plant in a covered terrarium or container with high humidity. Over 1-2 weeks, gradually increase ventilation by opening the container more each day to help the plant adjust to normal room humidity levels.
• Shaded Placement: Initially place the plant in a shaded area with indirect light to prevent shock. Over time, gradually introduce it to full sunlight, allowing it to adjust without burning.
• Maintain Moisture: Keep the substrate consistently moist using rainwater or distilled water. Avoid letting the plant dry out, but ensure it is not sitting in waterlogged conditions.
• Stable Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 20-25°C during the hardening process, avoiding temperature fluctuations that could stress the plant.
• Monitoring: Keep a close watch for signs of stress, such as browning or wilting traps, and adjust humidity, light, and water as needed to support healthy acclimation.

Once hardened, your Venus Fly Trap 'Devil's Eyes' will be ready to thrive in its new environment. With its intense, almost eerie coloration and efficient insect-catching traps, 'Devil's Eyes' is a must-have for any collector seeking a dramatic and captivating carnivorous plant.