Venus flytrap

The Venus flytrap is loved by children and adults alike. When an insect, attracted by the plant's nectar, touches the hairs inside the trap, the hinge mechanism is triggered and it slams shut. This traps the insect inside where it is broken down to give the plant essential nutrients. Found growing wild in bogs in North and South Carolina, USA, the Venus flytrap needs moist, acidic soil. Grow it indoors in a mixture of equal parts of moss peat and lime-free sand in full or bright filtered light in a cool position. Keep the plant wet by standing it in a saucer of soft water. The plants are dormant in autumn and should be kept just moist until they come into growth again. To encourage more traps to be produced, pinch out any flower stems that appear. To propagate, sow the seed in spring at 10C to 13C (50F to 55F). Place the seed tray in a water tray to keep the compost moist.