Venus flytrap varieties
Start with the label, then compare the traps: Dionaea muscipula cultivars vary in trap size, color and hairs at the trap edge. ‘Akai Ryū’ is a named red selection.
Plant coveredDionaea muscipulaVenus fly trap · indoor container
Check the species, variety, group or trade name
Plant names and labels
- Taxonomy
- The target is the accepted species Dionaea muscipula. Named selections are cultivars within that species, not separate species or a general label for all carnivorous plants.
- Group
- A practical collection can distinguish an unlabeled typical plant from named color, trap-size or trap-edge-hair forms. RHS specifically lists Dionaea muscipula ‘Akai Ryū’ among Venus flytrap choices.
Compare visible shape, pattern and size
How the varieties differ
NC State reports cultivar differences in trap size, trap color and hairs along the trap edge. RHS identifies ‘Akai Ryū’ as a named red selection, giving a concrete color-led choice.
Change care only for a named difference
Care differences
The same species baseline applies across visual forms: bright light, wet nutrient-poor acidic medium, and suitable water. Separate watering, dormancy, or feeding thresholds are not established for each cultivar.
Treat an unverified identity as uncertain
Limits of plant labels
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy; accepted name
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription; cultivars and varieties; container culture
- Royal Horticultural SocietyVenus flytrap guide; plants recommended; cultivar listing
- Royal Horticultural SocietyCarnivorous plants as houseplants; Venus flytrap