When the decorative Venus flytrap gets black leaves, most hobby gardeners are unsettled. The blackening of the leaves is a normal process - provided the care is right. Why are the leaves changing color?
It is quite normal for Venus flytrap traps to discolor and die
Venus fly plant leaves turn black
After the catch traps have opened seven times, they die. The leaves on which they formed also turn black and die. This is a completely normal process. As long as new shoots and traps develop, there is nothing to worry about.
Even before the plant goes into hibernation, many leaves turn black. This is also a natural process. The Venus flytrap adjusts to the break and forms only a few and very small traps.
In the spring, the plant sprout again and produces many green leaves with large tangles.
Black shoots due to care errors
With improper care, Venus flytrap leaves can also turn black and rot earlier. This happens when the humidity is too low or the temperatures at the site have dropped too much.
In addition, frequent or incorrect feeding can lead to the traps and then the leaves discoloring and dying. This happens when the insect fed was too big for the trap.
You should cut off rotten black leaves so as not to damage the plant further. If most of the leaves are discolored and no new ones form, you should discard the Venus flytrap altogether.
Cut off black leaves - yes or no?
Opinions differ on whether the black leaves of the Venus flytrap should be cut off or not.
Some experts recommend leaving them on the plant, where they will regress over time. Others, on the other hand, advise removing the black leaves for visual reasons.
If necessary, simply start an experiment and first cut off only one or two black leaves. Then see if the Venus flytrap was harmed by clipping.
tips
A common mistake when caring for a Venus flytrap is feeding or supplemental fertilizing of the plant. This can also cause the leaves to discolour and affect growth. Refrain from feeding and fertilizing Venus flytraps.