As the year slowly comes to an end, the greenhouse feels different. Growth has eased, the Venus flytraps are deep in dormancy and the constant rhythm of watering, feeding and watching new traps unfold has finally slowed down. The season has reached its natural pause. Fewer movements, less noise — and more space to reflect on everything this year brought.
This year marked something entirely new for me. I have opened my own small ecommerce business and the very first year of my own e-shop. The first season of sending my plants out into the world. The first time this passion stopped being just mine and became something shared with hundreds of other growers.
Only now, at the end of the season, does it fully sink in how much actually happened.
A First Year of my e-shop with plants
I honestly couldn’t have imagined how this first year would turn out. What started as a personal obsession with Venus flytraps slowly grew into something real, alive and surprisingly big.
Over the course of this year, hundreds of Venus flytraps found new homes. Hundreds strange, beautiful, toothy plants — each one ending up with someone who understands their weird charm and is willing to care for them properly.
That number isn’t important because it’s kinda big. It’s important because it represents trust, shared curiosity and a community built around plants that are anything but ordinary.
The Plants You Chose the Most
Some cultivars clearly stood out this year. These are the five Venus flytraps that growers chose most often — the plants that defined this season.
Chinese Dumpling
A very strong, well-growing cultivar with a slightly werewolf-like character. It starts the season completely green, but as autumn arrives, it develops beautiful fiery colors with light green margins. The contrast is striking and natural and the plant grows reliably throughout the season.
Whifula
A stable white cultivar that produces white traps consistently throughout the entire year. Despite its pale appearance, it grows surprisingly well and propagates easily. Calm, elegant and resilient — clear proof that white cultivars don’t have to be weak. Honestly, this is my favourite Dionaea among all white clones.
Big Dracula
A larger and more dramatic version of the classic Dracula. Massive traps, a dark red interior and a truly predatory look. Strong growth combined with intense colour makes this plant impossible to ignore.
Sasquatch
A very successful cultivar originating from California Carnivores. Large traps paired with long, thin teeth give it an elegant yet wild appearance. Powerful without looking aggressive — one of those plants that simply feels balanced and natural.
Bimbo
My personal favourite. Huge traps, long thin teeth and a bold look that stays in your memory. Bimbo has character. It’s the kind of Venus flytrap you recognise instantly — and never forget.
Building More Than Just an E-shop
This year wasn’t only about growing plants. It was also about building something better around them.
Based on feedback from my local customers and other growers, I introduced a Czech language version of the website including a currency switcher, allowing visitors to browse and pay comfortably in EUR or CZK.
But one of the projects I’m most proud of is the Venus Flytrap Health Check Tool.
It’s a simple feature built around roughly ten questions. Based on your answers, it evaluates the condition of your plant and shows what needs improvement so it can grow stronger and healthier.
The idea was never just to sell plants — but to help people understand them, care for them properly and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to weak or dying flytraps.
The First Year Is Only the Beginning
This was just the first chapter — and already it feels like the start of something much bigger. Your support, trust and shared passion made this possible.
This year brought lessons, challenges and plenty of small victories. It shaped how I grow, how I share plants, and how I want this project to continue evolving. The support, trust, and shared passion from the community turned an idea into reality.
A lot is already going into 2026. More plants, more improvements and new ideas that are still quietly taking shape — just like the flytraps resting now, waiting for spring. The greenhouse may be quiet for the moment. But what’s coming next is already growing.
Thank you for being here! Thank you for growing with me!
Let it grow in 2026 🌱
— Peter