If you’re tired of playing referee between your home and those pesky-winged invaders, these best carnivorous plants for flies could be the answer you are looking for! Why not turn the tables on the bothersome beasts and bag yourself some fly-catching champions.
On one hand I’m not entomophobic (scared of insects), but the flies this year have become a pain in the proverbial. However, the thought of spraying chemicals around my home doesn’t sit well with me. So in the end I decided to go down the route of using nature to combat this battle.
After searching through a few carnivorous plants online, I found the Venus fly trap is the best overall. This cute compact carnivorous plant, armed with its iconic hinged traps and a killer charm, sits nicely on a shelf or window sill and works its magic.
It doesn’t stop there; there are other exciting fly-catching plants to check out. Some have really funky shapes and interesting catching mechanisms for you to look at in awe.
- Best Overall – Venus Flytrap Plant
- Most Extraordinary – Pitcher Plant
- Most Sun-Loving – Sundew
- Most Beginner Friendly – Butterwort
- Most Alluring – Monkey Cup
Product Reviews
Best Overall – Venus Flytrap Plant
Highlights
Right out of the box, the Venus Flytrap arrived in all its glory – fully potted and ready to roll. No need to scramble for pots or soil; it was prepared for its debut on my windowsill. Talk about instant gratification for impatient plant parents like me!
The humidity dome was a mini greenhouse for my new green companion, creating the perfect environment for growth. In fact, there is only one species of Venus Flytrap, also known as Dionaea muscipula. It is simply and unquestionably the best carnivorous plant. Firstly, I love to watch this carnivorous plant’s jaws snap shut around an unsuspecting fly – a spectacle that both satisfied my inner scientist and entertained my inner movie buff (who could forget those carnivorous plant characters in films?).
This little superstar thrives in high-humidity environments, making it a natural fit for my terrarium. Upon arrival, my Venus Flytrap was vibrant and full of life. Not a wilting leaf in sight.
Remember to give it a splash of distilled water regularly to keep this captivating carnivore at its best. Like most carnivorous plants, avoid tap water like the plague – this plant demands the finest, purest hydration. In turn don’t be shy about providing ample sunlight. Place your Venus Flytrap in a sunny spot where it can bask in full sunlight. Of course, ensure it gets the flies or fungus gnats it needs to survive.
Key Features
- Fully potted Venus Flytrap ready for immediate planting and display.
- Humidity dome included creating an optimal environment for growth and development.
- Carnivorous plant that uses digestive enzymes to break down captured insects.
- Thrives in high humidity, in sum making it an ideal addition to terrariums and indoor gardens.
- Healthy and vibrant, ready to add a unique touch to your space.
- Sunlight lover thrives and shows off its iconic traps.
- Distilled water requirements avoid tap water to maintain its health.
- Perfect for beginners as it is the easiest carnivorous plant to own, offering an exciting and hassle-free experience.
- Expected plant height of approximately 6 inches.
- Sphagnum peat moss soil for optimal growth.
- Blooming period during the spring to summer months.
- Ideal planting period is from April to August.
- USDA hardiness zone 7.
- Product dimensions measure 6 x 3 x 3 inches.
- Item weighs 1 pound.
Who’s It for?
The Venus Fly Trap Live Plant from The Killer Plant Company is tailored for a range of plant enthusiasts and curious minds. It appeals to an avid collector of indoor plants, who always search for unique additions to their green family. Also the novice plant enthusiast eager to embark on an exciting botanical journey.
For those intrigued by the natural world and eager to explore the mechanics of carnivorous plants, this Venus Fly Trap presents an educational and captivating living study. Home decor specialists seeking distinctive conversation starters will find in it a touch of the exotic that complements their interior spaces for instance.
On top of that terrarium enthusiasts can amplify their miniature ecosystems further with the Venus Fly Trap’s affinity for high-humidity environments. As a thoughtful and memorable gift, it caters to the nature lover, the curious learner, and the person who values the unconventional and extraordinary.
Most Extraordinary – Pitcher Plant
Highlights
The folks over at Soil Sunrise are matchmakers of the plant world, carefully selecting the healthiest specimen for you. The Large Live Sarracenia Pitcher Plants are not just your run-of-the-mill greenery – they’re feisty, insect-chompers.
This North American pitcher plant arrives in a custom Soil Sunrise potting blend, is 4-5 inches tall, and comes with a line-up of 4-9 pitchers. A care and feeding tips sheet is included, so you can’t go wrong with caring for it. These pest control warriors are packaged with love right in the heart of Kentucky and sent from a greenhouse.
Pitcher plants are designed for insect entrapment and digestion, ready to take on any bug that dares to invade your space. Never, and I repeat, never use tap water on pitcher plants. It’s all about that high-class distilled water or rainwater. So, before your new pitcher plants arrive, ensure you have the VIP water supply ready.
For me, it’s like Mother Nature’s ingenious engineering marvel. The fly-catching mechanism of the carnivorous plants lure in unsuspecting insects with their vibrant hues and mesmerizing shape.
Each variety showcases its unique palette, from the Scarlet Belle’s siren-red appeal to the Purpurea’s regal purples. The sheer visual drama of these tropical pitcher plants, combined with their unrivaled functionality, has me hooked. In turn making them a captivating star in my indoor garden spectacle.
Key Features
- Complete starter set including custom Soil Sunrise potting blend for nutrition and drainage.
- The healthiest specimen will be chosen from Scarlet Belle, Judith Hindle, or Purpurea varieties for your order.
- 4-5 inches tall and adorned with 4-9 striking “pitchers.”
- A care and feeding tips sheet is included.
- Shipping with care and lovingly packaged in Kentucky, these pitcher plants are shipped directly to you. Remember to keep an eye on shipping notifications and avoid extreme weather conditions.
- Unique carnivorous trait designed to capture and digest insects, adding an intriguing and natural aspect to your space.
Who’s It for?
The Large Live Sarracenia Pitcher Plant from Soil Sunrise caters to plant enthusiasts and nature lovers. It’s perfect for those who crave a touch of the extraordinary in their plant collection – the ones who find joy in nature’s wonders.
Pitcher plants are tailor-made for curious minds who appreciate the intricate mechanisms of carnivorous plants and those who delight in observing nature’s marvels up close.
It’s an ideal companion for the green-thumbed who value aesthetics and functionality – those who want their plants to look stunning and actively contribute to their environment.
Most Sun-Loving – Sundew
Highlights
Wellspring Gardens are like the green wizards of plant shipping. These carnivorous plants are swaddled like precious cargo with a 4-step packaging process that rivals the best baby care routines.
It’s got these spoon-shaped leaves that are basically fly magnets. Sticky hairs? Check. Glistening substance that’s like a dinner bell for insects? Double check. It’s like a natural fly trap with its own secret sauce. And guess what? These carnivorous plants don’t just stand around looking pretty – they get their nutrients from the bugs they catch. Talk about a high-protein diet, right?
The Spoonleaf Sundew plant typically ranges from 1 to 3 inches tall and comes in a 2-inch-deep pot (4.90 fl oz/145.0 mL).
It is sourced from Wellspring Gardens, a licensed nursery in Florida. They offer a Live Delivery Guarantee if you report any plant condition issues within 48 hours after arrival.
This Sundew is a sun-soaking diva. It thrives on full sun exposure, so I plopped it in a sunbathing spot where it can soak up those rays.
When it comes to hydration, this plant’s all about avoiding mineral buildup like most carnivorous plants. So, I’ve kept its feet wet with distilled water or rainwater, ensuring the soil stays moist without becoming a soggy mess.
Springtime is when this Sundew struts its stuff. The flowers are like adorable half-inch showstoppers, with pink and light purple petals that burst from the center like fireworks.
Key Features
- Carnivorous plants charm with spoon-shaped leaves covered in sticky hairs that attract and capture insects, making it a natural fly trap.
- Nutrient extraction from the insects it catches.
- Compact size 1 to 3 inches tall, it comes in a 2-inch-deep pot (4.90 fl oz/145.0 mL).
- Sourced from Wellspring Gardens licensed Nursery in Florida (Florida Nursery Registration No: 47234100).
- Live delivery guarantee if you report any issues with the plant’s condition within 48 hours after arrival, they’ve got you covered.
- Flourishes in full sun exposure. Place it where it can bask in direct sunlight for several hours daily.
- Moisture management uses distilled water or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup.
- Blooming period during the spring season.
- Distinctive flowers around half an inch in diameter with five petals radiating from the center. Petal colors range from shades of pink to light purple.
Who’s It for?
If you’ve always wondered how plants can double as insect trappers, this one’s for you. Whether you’re a science geek fascinated by nature’s ingenious adaptations, a gardener looking to add a quirky twist to your collection, or simply someone who wants a living conversation starter, this Sundew is your kindred spirit.
For those constantly battling persistent flies, the Spoonleaf Sundew Live Plant from Wellspring Gardens is your ultimate ally in the war against pesky pests.
Most Beginner Friendly- Butterwort
Highlights
Butterwort is a ninja regarding pest control. Its leaves? They’re wide and sticky, like a carnivorous flypaper. Those pesky insects? They get stuck and become the plant’s meal, slowly digested for a nutrient boost.
These plants are pampered like royalty as they’re shipped potted to arrive at your home safe and sound. The adult primuliflora flaunts some seriously stunning flowers – we’re talking violet and yellow petals that will make your indoor garden the talk of the town.
When it comes to light, indirect is the name of the game. These tropical plants don’t like full-on sunlight – they prefer a cozy spot away from the spotlight. I’ve learned that pure peat, peat-sand mix, peat-perlite mix, or even long-fiber sphagnum are the way to go when repotting.
As for watering, this butterwort likes to stay hydrated. I always keep it wet, ensuring to provide water that’s low in salts and minerals. Rainwater or distilled water is its preferred beverage choice.
It doesn’t need a dormancy period, so it’s always ready to roll. However, if things get too chilly, it might shed some leaves and spring back to life when things warm up.
Key Features
- Live carnivorous plant is scientifically known as Pinguicula primuliflora.
- Beginner friendly and considered one of the easiest butterworts to grow.
- Unique growth forms small plants at the tips of their leaves, which can be rooted and grown into more mature plants.
- Nature’s pest control with its broad and sticky leaves acts like flypaper, capturing small insects that are slowly digested.
- Your purchase includes a detailed grower’s guide to ensure successful care and maintenance.
- Potted for safe shipping to minimize the chance of damage during transit.
- Mature primuliflora plants produce beautiful violet and yellow flowers during the blooming.
- Requires indirect light and thrives with soil options like pure peat, peat-sand mix, peat-perlite mix, or long-fiber sphagnum.
- Keep the plant consistently wet while using water low in salts and minerals, such as rain or distilled water.
- No dormancy period is needed, but it can drop leaves and regrow when exposed to icy conditions.
Who’s It for?
If you’re a beginner itching to dive into the world of unique plants without breaking a sweat, this butterwort is your perfect match. A low-maintenance plant that forms baby plants right on its leaves so you can multiply your collection.
Suppose you’re tired of hosting unwelcome flying guests; this carnivorous wonder doubles as your personal pest control superhero.
For someone with eclectic taste who enjoys filling their living space with oddities and conversation starters, the Carnivorous Pinguicula primuliflora would be a prized addition to their collection, not just for its unique fly-catching ability but also for the striking violet and yellow flowers it produces.
Most Alluring- Asian Pitcher Plant
Highlights
The Asian Pitcher Plant – Nepenthes – 6″ Hanging Basket from JM BAMBOO is more than just a plant – it’s an experience. This isn’t your everyday plant – oh no, it’s like a little slice of botanical wonderland that’s found its way into my heart and home.
This plant is a carnivorous powerhouse attracting and capturing its prey in its pitchers. Now, what sets this Asian Pitcher Plant apart from the rest? Well, it’s all about the presentation. Imagine getting a 6″ hanging basket with several pitchers of this exotic beauty.
This pitcher plant has a refined taste – it prefers rainwater or distilled water. It’s like serving it the purest, most refreshing drink possible. Tap water can contain minerals that might not be its cup of tea.
I’ve used sphagnum moss as the main component of the soil mix. I also mix in a bit of perlite to ensure the soil remains airy and well-draining. Regular potting soil is like offering it fast food – it just won’t do. Stick to the moss and perlite mix for the best results.
As someone who’s tried their hand at various plants, I must say this pitcher plant is a breeze to care for. I’ve hung the basket in a spot where it gets just the right amount of morning sun and bright, indirect light.
This plant doubles as a fantastic gift. Imagine surprising a fellow plant lover with a hanging basket of exotic beauty that’s also a natural insect trapper.
Key Features
- This easy to grow carnivorous plant is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require advanced gardening skills.
- Great gift option for plant enthusiasts or anyone intrigued by exotic plants.
- Sunlight preferences, including morning sun or very bright, indirect light, make it suitable for indoor or outdoor locations.
- Exotic rare house plant that adds an intriguing touch to any collection.
- 6″ Hanging Basket delivered is complete with several pitchers, creating a captivating visual display.
- Natural pest control uses its pitchers to catch prey, acting like natural flypaper, helping control pest populations.
- Can also thrive when placed outdoors, making it versatile in different environments.
- Offered by JM BAMBOO, a reputable source of quality plants and gardening products.
- The vibrant green color that’s visually appealing and stands out in any setting.
- Requires moderate watering, balancing keeping the soil moist and avoiding waterlogging.
Who’s It for?
For those who love to curate a unique collection of plants, the Asian Pitcher Plant is a must-have. Its rarity and exotic appearance make it a standout addition sure to spark conversations and admiration. If you’re new to gardening but eager to dive in, this plant is an ideal starting point.
Watching its pitchers work their magic is great if you’re drawn to the mysteries of the natural world; the carnivorous nature of this plant will captivate your imagination.
Apartment dwellers limited on space but still want to enjoy the wonders of nature will benefit from the compact size of this hanging plant.
Step by Step Buying Guide
Research Carnivorous Plants
Look into Venus Fly Traps, Pitcher Plants, Sundews, and Butterworts. Learn about their care requirements, growth habits, and specific fly-catching mechanisms.
Assess Your Environment
Do you have a sunny window sill, a shaded corner, or an outdoor space? Different plants have varying light and humidity needs, so choose plants that match your environment.
Choose the Right Species
Select the carnivorous plant species that best suits your location and preferences. For example, Venus Fly Traps are grown indoors for indoor spaces with bright light, while Pitcher Plants thrive outdoors in sunny spots.
Check Availability
Check online plant nurseries, local garden centers, or specialized carnivorous plant stores for availability. Make sure the plants are healthy and come from reputable sources.
Read Reviews and Descriptions
Read customer reviews and detailed plant descriptions to ensure you get healthy plants with good potential for fly-catching success.
Consider Starter Plants
If you’re new to carnivorous plants, consider getting beginner-friendly starter plants. These are often well-established and more forgiving.
Understand Care Requirements
Before purchasing, understand the specific care requirements. This includes soil type, watering frequency, light exposure, and humidity levels.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Depending on your chosen plants; you might need unique soil mixes (like sphagnum moss), rainwater or distilled water, some soil nutrients, and appropriate pots or containers.
Place Your Order
Once you’ve selected the carnivorous plants you want, place your order through a trusted online store or visit a local nursery. If ordering online, ensure they have a reasonable shipping and return policy.
Care and Enjoy
Upon receiving your plants, follow the care instructions closely. Set them up in their designated spots, provide proper lighting and watering, and enjoy watching these remarkable plants work their fly-catching magic!
FAQ
Which carnivorous plant is best for flies?
Venus Fly Traps are the best carnivorous plants for flies. Their snap-closure mechanism captures flying insects while providing the plant with nutrients.
Do carnivorous plants get rid of flies?
Yes, carnivorous plants can help control fly populations. Certain species, like Venus Fly Traps, Pitcher Plants, and Sundews, are equipped to catch and digest flies and other small insects.
What is the most effective fly-eating plant?
The Venus Fly Trap is one of the most effective fly-eating plants. It has a fast and accurate snap-trap mechanism that is perfect for capturing flies.
Are flies attracted to carnivorous plants?
Yes, carnivorous plants use various methods to attract flies and other insects. They produce scents, colors, and nectar-like secretions to lure insects into their traps.
What plant do flies hate the most?
While plants like Citronella and Lavender are known for repelling certain insects, flies can be susceptible to strong scents like Eucalyptus, Basil, and Peppermint. However, it’s important to note that many carnivorous plants are designed to attract and catch flies, not repel them.
Carnivorous Plants to the Rescue: Turn Your Home into a No-Fly Zone, One Snap at a Time!
Among these extraordinary contenders, one stood out as the reigning champion – the Venus Fly Trap. With its iconic snap-closure traps and remarkable ability to target flying insects, the Venus Fly Trap claims the crown as the best overall carnivorous plant for flies. Its responsive nature and fascinating fly-catching ritual make it ideal for those seeking effective pest control and botanical wonder.
The Sarracenia Pitcher Plant emerges as a strong second runner-up. The Sarracenia adds a touch of North American wilderness to the carnivorous collection with its exquisite trumpet-like pitchers and alluring colors. Its combination of slippery peristomes (the rim around the mouth of the pitcher) and liquid pools creates an effective trapping mechanism that beckons unsuspecting flies.
Whether it’s the Venus Fly Trap’s swift snap, the Sarracenia’s elegant pitchers, or the delicate allure of Sundews and Butterworts, each carnivorous plant brings a distinct charm to the table.
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