Dionaea muscipula ’Chinese Dumpling’ – History & Care
History:
‘Chinese Dumpling’ is a rare and visually distinct cultivar of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), believed to have originated in Asia, possibly as a result of selective breeding among enthusiasts. It gained attention in carnivorous plant circles due to its unusually rounded, swollen traps that resemble small dumplings – hence the name. While the exact origin and breeder aren’t always clearly documented, the cultivar has made its way into collections thanks to its charming and almost “toy-like” appearance.
Care Tips:
• Light: Needs at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day, or strong artificial lighting (LED grow lights work well). Without enough light, traps will lose their vibrant color and the plant may become weak.
• Water: Use only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, using the tray method during the growing season.
• Soil: A mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite (1:1) or pure long-fiber sphagnum moss. Avoid any soil with fertilizers.
• Dormancy: Requires a winter dormancy period (about 3 months at 0–10°C / 32–50°F). This is crucial for long-term health.
• Feeding: Can catch its own food, but you can feed it small insects (e.g., flies, ants) if kept indoors. Avoid overfeeding.
• Potting: Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the media and ensure good drainage.
Extra Tip:
‘Chinese Dumpling’ tends to grow more slowly than typical Venus flytraps, so be patient. Its compact, bulbous traps are its main feature—don’t expect aggressive snapping, but do enjoy the quirky form!
