[Sleepingpopman]

Hi Folks   
We bought a small Venus Fly Trap plant from a local garden centre about 3 weeks ago. It had 6 traps on it at the time but since we've had it it has grown to 16 traps, we've read online that they should only have 7 at most, does this matter ?? We have just re-potted it into the next size up pot, using proper compost.
Keith. 

[Aunt Sally]

We have just re-potted it into the next size up pot, using proper compost.

I've never bothered about how many traps mine have.

By "proper" what do you mean ?

[Sleepingpopman]

I have used specially formulated Carnivorous plant compost, (bought online) this compost contains all the necessary ingredients ie sphagnum moss & sand which the plant needs when re-potting as this is where the plant gets it's nutrients from as your not supposed to feed them. I understand you can use just sphagnum moss as this is what helps carnivorous plants keep there colour.  Hope that explains what I mean by 'proper'
Keith

[Aunt Sally]

Indeed it has, Kieth

I don't use purchased formulated compost as the different types of carnivorous plant tend to need slightly different composts.  Mixing your own is very cheap to do.

This is what I use for Venus fly traps:

2 parts moss peat
1 part horticultural sand

I use a 3-5 inch pot depending on plant size.  I put a piece of fleece in the bottom of the pot to stop the planting medium from washing out.  Crocks are not needed.  Stand the pot in 1/2 to 1 inch of rain water all the time. 

There is no need to feed the plants but make sure they can catch a supply of insects.

[Sleepingpopman]

Many Thanx Aunt Sally for that info, It's years since my other half had 1 so we looked it up online & that what was recomended for re-potting. Good job we only bought a small pkt though as there's plenty left  to re-pot it again, if we need to. It cost us £1.25 + p&p for 100g bag, it's now in a 3.5" pot & catching fly's. 
Keith

[Aunt Sally]

Sounds like a happy plant

Only re-pot during the growing period - spring and summer.