Sales of Venus flytraps have soared since the release of this year’s John Lewis’ Christmas advert, with one online garden centre reporting record demand.
GardeningExpress.co.uk say sales of the plants have increased massively since the ad first aired on our screens and on social media.
It showcases a young boy setting out to plant his own Christmas tree which later turns out to be a Venus flytrap named Snapper.
The plant soon grows larger than life and begins snapping away at the family dog and causing havoc around the home before being taken outside.
The advert then finishes with the family moving their festivities outside with the plant before revealing the tagline ‘let your traditions grow’.
Within one hour of the Little Shop of Horrors inspired advert going live, the Essex based business noticed a rapid increase in their sales of the carnivorous plant which sold out in under an hour.
Overall online demand soared with Google searches for the plant spiking on November 9th.
GardeningExpress.co.uk founder Chris Bonnett has now re-ordered the plant in order to keep up with demand with what he calls the must have plant for Christmas 2023.
He suspects the Venus flytrap will only get more popular with John Lewis releasing The Snapper Collection – a line filled with Venus flytrap inspired merchandise such as pyjamas, baubles and plush toys.
Those looking for a real Venus flytrap can purchase one straight from GardeningExpress.
Chris Bonnett reassures that the plants can’t help with confetti and won’t become a threat to the family like the advert suggests.
They do however keep the home insect free by catching small bugs and digesting them.
They must be kept away from heat sources and positioning in bright locations in order to thrive.
Chris Bonnett said: “After the John Lewis advert went live on Thursday we had completely sold out of the venus flytrap within one hour – it’s definitely going to be the must have Christmas plant this year.
“We’ve now ordered plenty more stock to keep up with the demand of this plant.
“People seem really divided over the advert this year but from a horticulturist point of view it’s amazing to see that the ad is inspiring more people to bring plants indoors this season along with their festive fur.”
He continues: “The merchandise that John Lewis has released to accompany the ad means that the venus flytrap is only going to get bigger and become more in demand.
“It’s definitely going to be a key character in Christmas this year so it’s important for us to keep up with this.
“We can’t promise it’ll grow the same size as Snapper and it definitely won’t be a threat to your family or dogs like the advert suggests!”
For more information on caring for Venus flytraps please visit https://help.gardeningexpress.co.uk/knowledge-base/guide-to-caring-for-venus-fly-trap-plants/
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