Science Toy Review

This is one of my favorites from the line of several Dunecraft Terrariums.  With this one you get to grow your own collection of feared and famous meat-eating plants! This kit features the infamous Venus Fly Trap. Watch these fascinating plants grow from harmless seeds into vicious bug-eating monsters. Make your own authentic bog with the included peat planting mix, blue Swamp Rocks, and a companionable Bog Buddy.

Okay, so that’s what the manufacturer’s description of this terrarium says. And it is really cool; I’ll give them that. But what you don’t know when you buy this kit and set out to grow your own “famous meat-eating plants” is that it takes a pretty long time to go from seed to true fly eater. There is a specific procedure to follow which includes, watering or misting, and keeping it in a cool dark place for several weeks. Then putting it in a sunny window, more watering and nurturing, etc, etc. Until finally, they start sprouting and in a few months you have real plants. I do suppose the plants could last for years with the proper care, but this isn’t the kit you want to start with if you want a more instant gratification.

Nevertheless, this is a very cool kit and I can recommend it if you realize just how long it takes to get some really cool plants. It did make one list of the best selling toys of 2008 and I can see why. What kid wouldn’t want to have their very own Venus fly trap?