Problem with Venus Fly Trap

[Clive Wilson]

Hello, I've got a Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea Muscipula) which I think might
have a few problems, hopefully someone can give me advice.

I bought it about four months ago when it was apparently very healthy. It
was producing new 'jaws' every 3 weeks or so. Then a month ago two stems
started growing from the middle of the plant, which have now reached 10-12
inches in length and have white flowers at the top.

I'm not sure if these stems have taken nourishment from the rest of the
plant but it only has *one* pair of 'jaws' left alive, the others having
shrivelled up and gone black (As you can see from my description, I'm no
botanist!).

I have been carefull not to cause the 'jaws' to close unnecessarily, as I
know this can cause them to die.

Does *anyone* have any idea what is going wrong? Or is this meant to
happen? When will new 'jaw' growth occur?

If anyone has any advice it would be greatfully received.

Thanks in anticipation

Clive Wilson (clive at ctwilson.demon.co.uk)