When the decorative Venus flytrap gets black leaves, most hobby gardeners are unsettled. The blackening of the leaves is a normal process - provided the care is correct. Why do the leaves change color?
Why do Venus flytrap leaves turn black?
Black leaves on the Venus flytrap are usually a normal process that occurs when the traps die or the plant goes into hibernation. However, incorrect care such as low humidity or too large insects when feeding can also be a cause.
Venus fly plant leaves turn black
Once the traps have opened seven times, they die. The leaves on which they have formed also turn black and die. This is a completely normal process. As long as new shoots and traps develop, there is no need to worry.
Even before the plant goes into hibernation, many leaves turn black. This is also a natural process. The Venus flytrap is adjusting to the break and only forms a few and very small traps.
In spring the plant sprouts again and produces many green leaves with large traps.
Black shoots due to care errors
If not cared for properly, the leaves of the Venus flytrap can turn black and rot sooner. This happens when the humidity is too low or the temperatures at the location have fallen too much.
In addition, frequent or incorrect feeding can cause the traps and then the leaves to change color and die. This happens when the insect being fed was too big for the trap.
You should cut off rotten black leaves to avoid further damaging the plant. If most of the leaves are discolored and no new ones are forming, you should dispose of the Venus flytrap completely.
Cut off black leaves - yes or no?
Opinions differ on the question of whether the black leaves of the Venus flytrap can be cut off or not.
Some experts recommend leaving them on the plant, where they will die down over time. Others advise removing the black leaves for visual reasons.
If necessary, just try it out and initially only cut off one or two black leaves. Then see whether the cutting has harmed the Venus flytrap.
Tip
A common mistake when caring for a Venus flytrap is feeding or additional fertilizing the plant. This can also cause the leaves to discolor and affect growth. Avoid feeding and fertilizing Venus flytraps.