How do the traps move?
The mechanism by which a Venus flytrap moves is poorly understood. When the trigger hairs on the trap are stimulated, an action potential (mostly involving calcium ions) is generated, which propagates and stimulates cells. Exactly what this stimulation does is not clear. Cells in the flytrap may rapidly secrete protons into their cell walls, thereby loosening them and allowing them to swell rapidly by osmosis. Alternatively, cells in the flytrap may rapidly secrete other ions, allowing water to follow by osmosis, and the cells to collapse. Once the trap has rapidly shut, the bug will continue to stimulate the inner surface of the trap, causing a further growth response forcing the the edges of the trap to close and eventually sealing the trap ready for digestion.
Contrary to popular belief, Venus flytraps do not make acids. The digestion process is in fact caused by enzymes secreted by glands in the trap. The enzymes reduce the protein in the bug, reducing it to a skeleton. The trap then reopens, ready for reuse. Traps typically only open or close three times before dying.
More detailed information about the movement process can be found on the Venus flytrap Wikipedia page.
Photo courtesy of Jamie Duke.
ryan responded on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:11 pm #
hi i av a vft , i have fed all heads a slight amount of corned beef , but since they havent reopened , are they alive ?
could you please let me know asap .
because my mrs. is worried they have od.
thanks .
Ryan responded on 28 Feb 2008 at 4:19 am #
Er, yeah. They definitely don’t like Corn beef!
Your plant may die or it may not, it’s hard to tell. There’s more information about why not to feed your plant random bits of meat here:
http://flytrapgrowing.info/what-should-i-feed-it/
If you follow some of the advice on here about watering, providing as much light as possible etc. then your plant will stand a much better chance at survival.
In a nutshell … keep your plant well watered (soil should always be moist) and make sure it gets maximum light exposure.