veggie VFT?

[jonathonmoore]

Hello all,

I've an interesting problem with my VFT. It doesn't seem to want to eat.

It's growing pleanty of traps and looks really healthy, it quite often traps flys and other insects but the traps always seem to open after around 24hrs and let the insect go (if it hasn't died by then.)

Could this be caused by the enviroment that the plant is in?

Thanks for your help.
Jonathon

[Alexis]

Where are you growing it?

[jonathonmoore]

Hi!

Thanks for your reply. It's on a warm south facing window sill.
Although from what I've read I gather it'll be approaching dormancy soon.

Thanks,
Jon

[stevebooth]

Hi Jon
Are you feeding the traps by hand, with dead or semi dead prey?
If so it could be the lack of movement from the animal that is causing the traps to open as the plant doesnt register the prey as live.

Cheers
Steve

[jonathonmoore]

Hi Steve,

I haven't been feeding it by hand. It seems to trap live food by itself quite often.
Last week it caught a fly and I tried squidging the trap a bit to simulate additional movement. It didn't seem to make any difference and the fly flew away a few hours later.

Thanks,
Jon

[peterhewitt]

Slow and lethargic traps is usually a sign of too little sunlight. If you are moving in to Autumn and winter, this is usually normal.
If your plant behaves this way during peak summer, stronger sunlight should energize it.