1-3 Plants in a Tissue Culture Cup
Botanical Name:
Dionaea muscipula 'Gold Cup' #14

Visual Description:
The Venus Fly Trap Dionaea muscipula 'Gold Cup' #14 is a stunning and rare variety distinguished by its bright golden-yellow trap coloration. The traps are large and shaped like wide cups, giving them a unique, bowl-like appearance. The vibrant golden color contrasts beautifully with the plant’s bright green leaves, creating a striking visual effect. The plant's long, evenly spaced cilia around the edges of the traps enhance its attractive form. Even in its tissue culture stage, 'Gold Cup' displays its signature cup-shaped traps and golden hues, making it an impressive and valuable addition to any carnivorous plant collection.

Key Features:

• Golden Yellow Traps: The most remarkable feature of 'Gold Cup' #14 is its rare, bright golden-yellow traps, which shine vividly in sunlight, giving it a luxurious, eye-catching appearance.
• Bowl-Shaped Traps: Unlike typical Venus Fly Traps, 'Gold Cup' features wide, cup-like traps that form a bowl shape, increasing its insect-catching efficiency while providing a unique aesthetic.
• Carnivorous Adaptation: Like all Venus Fly Traps, 'Gold Cup' uses its trap mechanism to capture and digest insects. Sensitive trigger hairs cause the traps to snap shut, allowing the plant to absorb nutrients from its prey and thrive in low-nutrient environments.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Requires full sun to maintain its bright golden coloration and promote healthy trap growth. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for optimal development.
• Water: Use only rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid using tap water, as the minerals can harm the plant.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 15-30°C. During the winter, a dormancy period with temperatures around 5-10°C is essential for long-term health and vitality.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels (50-70%), though it can adapt to slightly lower humidity once established.

Tissue Culture Care and Hardening:

After receiving your Dionaea muscipula 'Gold Cup' #14 in its tissue culture cup, it’s important to carefully transition the plant from its controlled environment to natural growing conditions. Follow these steps for proper acclimation:

• 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 slightly opening the container each day, allowing the plant to adjust to regular humidity levels.
• Shaded Placement: Initially, place the plant in a shaded or low-light area to prevent sunburn. Slowly introduce it to direct sunlight over several days as the plant acclimates.
• Maintain Moisture: Keep the substrate consistently moist using rainwater or distilled water. Ensure the soil never dries out, but avoid waterlogging the plant.
• Stable Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 20-25°C during the hardening process, and avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature fluctuations.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor for signs of stress, such as wilting or browning traps, and adjust humidity, light, and water conditions as necessary to ensure a smooth transition.

Once hardened, your Venus Fly Trap 'Gold Cup' #14 will be ready for its permanent home, where it will thrive with proper care. With its rare golden-yellow traps and unique cup shape, 'Gold Cup' #14 is a standout variety that will bring beauty and intrigue to any carnivorous plant collection.