DO put your plant in a place where gnats, ants, and bugs can come to ‘visit.’ Or catch a few small insects and put them in the plastic box and close it. Note how long it takes the insects to get trapped.

DO use a magnifying glass to examine the delicate structure of the glue tipped tentacles.

DO touch the drops of glue and feel how slippery and sticky they are.

DO provide high humidity around the plants. If your air humidity is 50% or greater, remove your plant from the plastic box. If you live in a dry area, plant it in a terrarium or leave it in the plastic box it came in. Leave the lid slightly open to avoid excessive build up of heat inside the box.

DO give your plant as much light as possible. Put your plant in a bright window, just out of the direct sun.

DO water often. Octopus plants grow in wet boggy areas. Place a saucer under the pot and keep 1⁄4” of distilled water in it at all times.

DON’T put a closed terrarium in direct sunlight. The heat will cook the plants inside. Always leave the terrarium lid open, and place terrariums just beyond the reach of direct sunlight.

DON’T use any kind of water except distilled or rain water. Other types of water contain natural salts which will burn the edges of the leaves.

DON’T worry about needing to fertilize your plant. As long as it is trapping insects, it will have enough food.

DON’T be surprised if your plant blooms! With proper care, your plant will reward you with tall stems covered by beautiful pink or white flowers.