Venus Fly Trap ‘Lime Cherry’ is a striking cultivar of the classic Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula. While not as widely recognized as cultivars like ‘Akai Ryu’ or ‘Justina Davis’, ‘Lime Cherry’ is valued by collectors for its vivid coloration. This variety typically features glossy, narrow leaves that remain a bright lime green, contrasted with bold red or cherry-colored variegation inside the traps. The combination of lime green and cherry red makes it especially eye-catching and popular among enthusiasts seeking unique carnivorous plants.
Like all Venus flytraps, ‘Lime Cherry’ grows as a compact rosette of leaves, each ending in a jaw-like trap lined with teeth. The inner surface of the trap is where the cherry red coloration is most prominent, serving both as an attraction for insect prey and a visual highlight for growers. The plant uses these traps to catch and digest insects, supplementing its nutritional needs in the nutrient-poor, acidic soils where it naturally grows.
This cultivar thrives in conditions typical for Venus flytraps: moist, acidic soil, full sun, and high humidity. It is best grown in a pot with a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite, kept permanently moist with rainwater or distilled water. The plant requires a period of winter dormancy, during which it reduces its number of leaves and stores energy in a bulb-like structure. During the growing season, full sun will help intensify the red coloration inside the traps, while low light may cause the colors to fade.
Venus flytraps, including ‘Lime Cherry’, are not tolerant of tap water or standard potting soil, both of which can harm the plant. They should be kept in a cool, bright location and provided with live insects for optimal health, although they can survive on occasional feedings. This cultivar is non-toxic and safe for homes with pets and children, but the traps should not be triggered for amusement, as each trap can only close a limited number of times before dying off.
With proper care, Venus Fly Trap ‘Lime Cherry’ can be a long-lived and fascinating addition to any plant collection, admired for both its unique appearance and its remarkable insect-catching abilities.
