If you’ve ever wondered what to feed Venus flytraps to help them grow bigger, stronger, and more vibrant, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the best food options for Venus flytraps freeze-dried bloodworms and how to “supercharge” them for maximum growth.
This guide is perfect for growers who already have healthy plants and want to take them from thriving… to absolutely stunning.
Why Feed Venus Flytraps Bloodworms?
Bloodworms are widely used as fish food, but they are also one of the best food choices for Venus flytraps.
Here’s why:
✅ Extremely high in protein
✅ Easy to portion
✅ Long shelf life (up to 2 years when stored properly)
✅ Safe and clean alternative to live bugs
Despite the name, bloodworms are not actually worms. They are the larvae of non-biting midges (small fly-like insects). They contain hemoglobin (similar to human blood), which gives them their red color and allows them to survive in low-oxygen water.
For carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), bloodworms provide concentrated nutrients that support:
Larger trap development
Stronger growth points
Improved vigor
Faster recovery after dormancy
If you're asking yourself “what should I feed my Venus flytrap?” — bloodworms are one of the most effective options available.
Important: This Is an Advanced Feeding Method
Before you feed Venus flytraps bloodworms using this enhanced method:
⚠️ Make sure your plant is already healthy.
Do not attempt this if your flytrap is:
Weak or recently repotted
Struggling with poor light
Recovering from root rot
Newly purchased and acclimating
This technique is meant to boost already thriving plants, not rescue struggling ones.
Prefer to Watch Instead? 🎥
If you’d rather see exactly how to feed Venus flytraps bloodworms step by step, I’ve put together a full video walkthrough that shows the entire process in action.
In the video, you’ll see:
How to properly rehydrate freeze-dried bloodworms
The difference between whole worms and powder method
Exactly how much food to use
How to trigger the secondary response correctly
Real-time examples of feeding large and tiny traps
Common mistakes to avoid
Sometimes it’s much easier to understand what to feed Venus flytraps and how to do it safely when you can actually watch the technique. Seeing how gently to squeeze the trap, how much food to insert, and how a properly sealed trap should look can make all the difference.
If you’re a visual learner — or just want extra confidence before trying it yourself — I highly recommend watching the full video guide.
Safety Tip: Bloodworm Allergies
Some people are allergic to bloodworms. If this is your first time handling, I do recommend that you take the proper precautions.
Consider:
Wearing gloves
Wearing a mask while grinding (dust inhalation)
If you grind your bloodworms, the risk of dust is reduced once they are hydrated. But gloves should still be worn when handling. I personally do not have any reaction to bloodworms, so I do not wear safety gear. Everyone is different, be safe!
Venus Flytrap Bloodworm Feeding Kit
If you’re ready to feed Venus flytraps freeze dried bloodworms the right way, my new Venus Flytrap Bloodworm Feeding Kit makes it simple and mess-free.
Since bloodworms are one of the best food options for Venus flytraps, proper preparation and feeding technique are key. This kit includes everything you need to prepare, portion, and feed safely:
Flat paddle tweezers for precise placement
Measurement water dropper for perfect consistency
Toothpick tool for small or tiny traps
Reusable mixing container
Premium freeze-dried bloodworms (available bundled or separately)
Whether you're just learning what to feed Venus flytraps or you’re an experienced grower looking to boost trap size and vigor, this kit removes the guesswork.
Because you only use small amounts per feeding, one bag can last a long time, making it an easy, effective way to support bigger, healthier traps.
Click here or the image to see if we have any bloodworm feeding kits in stock!
The Secret to Supercharging Bloodworms
Many growers simply rehydrate bloodworms with distilled water. That works great.
But if you want explosive growth, here’s the advanced tip:
Add a very diluted solution of SUPERthrive liquid fertilizer to your distilled water.
Recommended dilution:
¼ teaspoon per gallon of distilled water (maintenance dose)
This creates a nutrient-enhanced soak for the bloodworms before feeding.
Yes — fertilizer is normally bad for carnivorous plants. But when used correctly and sparingly in this indirect method, it can safely enhance the nutritional value of the bloodworms.
Again: advanced growers only.
The trick to fertilizer is that the flytrap must absorb it through its trap and not through its roots. Their roots are extremely sensative to fertilizers. Do your best to keep the liquid fertilizer away from the plants soil.
Two Ways to Prepare Bloodworms for Feeding
Method 1: Rehydrated Whole Bloodworms (Best for Regular/Large Traps)
Step-by-step:
Place a small amount of freeze-dried bloodworms into a container.
Add distilled water (or your diluted SUPERthrive mix).
Avoid flooding — just enough to moisten.
Stir gently until worms absorb water.
Remember, everything you need comes with my venus flytrap bloodworm feeding kit, if your interested, head on over and check it out!
After a few minutes, they’ll become soft and ready to feed. We are going to go over the actual feeding of the venus flytraps in just a moment. They should look something like this!
Method 2: Bloodworm Powder (Best for Small or Tiny Traps)
If you have smaller traps, whole worms may be too large.
Here’s what to do:
Grind freeze-dried bloodworms into a fine powder (small processor works best).
Place powder in container.
Rehydrate just like the whole worms.
Mix until it forms a paste-like consistency.
You can get a mini food processor on Amazon for $15. This is the one I got and it worked great! Click here to check it out!
The result? A perfectly sized food for baby or tiny traps.
This is one of the most effective solutions if you're wondering what to feed small Venus flytraps. It should look like this when you are done.
How to Feed Venus Flytraps Properly
Now the important part: feeding correctly.
Step 1: Trigger the Trap
Gently touch the trigger hairs inside the trap to close it.
Step 2: Insert Food
Use a toothpick (easier for precision)
Or flat paddle tweezers (better grip but trickier)
⚠️ Keep food less than ½ the trap size.
Overfilling can prevent sealing and cause trap rot.
Step 3: Trigger the Secondary Response
When you feed Venus flytraps bloodworms, simply closing the trap is not enough. The Venus flytrap has a two-step closing mechanism designed to conserve energy.
How It Works
Inside each trap are tiny sensory hairs called trigger hairs.
The first stimulation (like touching the hairs) causes the trap to snap shut.
But digestion does not begin yet.
In nature, a live insect continues moving inside the trap. That movement repeatedly touches the trigger hairs, activating the secondary response. This tells the plant:
“This is real prey. Start digesting.”
Only then does the trap:
Seal tightly
Release digestive enzymes
Begin breaking down the food
How to Properly Trigger It After Feeding
Since bloodworms don’t move, you must mimic that motion.
After placing the food inside:
Ensure the trap is fully closed.
Gently squeeze the sides of the trap between your fingers or tweezers if the trap is small.
Repeat this 20–40 times over about 30–60 seconds.
You don’t need to squeeze hard, just enough to press the lobes together slightly. Think gentle pulses, not force.
If the trap is small and your fingers don’t fit, use flat tweezers and lightly press the outside of the lobes. Be extremely careful not to puncture or crease the trap.
How Often Should You Feed Venus Flytraps?
One of the biggest mistakes growers make is overfeeding.
For large plants:
Feed up to 2 traps per growth point
No more than every 2–3 weeks
For smaller plants:
Feed 1 trap
Every 2–3 weeks
That’s it. Bloodworms are dense in nutrients, especially if you mixed in liquid fertilizer, more is not always better.
If you’re asking “how much should I feed my Venus flytrap?” it's probably less than you think.
Can You Feed During Dormancy?
Yes you definitely can.
During winter dormancy, traps may close slower. Feeding sparingly during dormancy can:
Support stronger spring growth
Boost early-season trap size
Help plants “hit the ground running”
Just avoid heavy feeding while the plant is fully dormant. Stick to the feeding guidelines I listed above and you should be fine.
Can You Feed Bloodworms To Other Carnivorous Plants?
Yes!
This feeding method also works well for:
Sarracenia (drop inside pitcher with a little water)
Drosera (stick small amount to dew-covered leaf)
Nepenthes (drop inside pitcher with a little water)
Pinguicula (place a small amount on a leaf to be absorbed. Use sparingly on pings)
Cephalotus (drop inside pitcher with a little water)
How Long Do Bloodworms Last?
Freeze-dried bloodworms:
Last up to 2 years
Store sealed
Keep in cool, dry location
You need very small amounts to feed Venus flytraps, so even a small bag stretches a long way.
If you hydrate the bloodworms, they will only stay good for up to 2 days. The mix will start to mold the next day if you do not cover and store in a cool dry place.
Are Bloodworms or Mealworms Better For Venus Flytraps
When deciding what to feed Venus flytraps, many growers compare bloodworms and mealworms. While both are protein sources, bloodworms are generally the better and safer option.
1. Easier to Digest
Freeze-dried bloodworms rehydrate into a soft texture that’s easy for a Venus flytrap to break down. Mealworms have a tougher outer shell (exoskeleton), which can be harder for traps to digest completely.
2. Lower Risk of Trap Rot
Mealworms are bulkier and easier to overfeed. If too much food prevents a tight seal, the trap may rot. Bloodworms are lighter, softer, and easier to portion properly — reducing that risk.
3. Better for Small Traps
Bloodworms can be ground into powder, making them ideal for tiny or juvenile traps. Mealworms don’t grind as easily and can be too large for smaller plants.
4. Cleaner & Longer Lasting
Freeze-dried bloodworms store well and are less messy than live or dried mealworms.
For most growers looking for the best food for Venus flytraps, bloodworms offer better digestion, safer feeding, and more consistent results. 🌱
Final Thoughts: The Best Food for Venus Flytraps?
If you're serious about maximizing growth, feeding Venus flytraps bloodworms is one of the most effective strategies available.
To recap:
✔ High-protein superfood
✔ Easy to prepare
✔ Great for small and large traps
✔ Works for multiple carnivorous species
✔ Can be enhanced for advanced growers
If you’ve been wondering:
What to feed Venus flytraps?
What is the best food for Venus flytraps?
How do I feed Venus flytraps bloodworms properly?
Now you know.
Healthy plants + proper feeding technique = massive, vibrant traps.
Happy growing 🌱
If you haven't already, go check out my YouTube channel, Carnivorous Plants Hub for more great carnivorous plant content!