Does this plant need special food to bloom?

No, it is a hardy native that does not require extra fertilizer. It prefers natural soil conditions.

Will it bloom in the shade?

It will likely produce only leaves in the shade. It needs direct sun to produce its signature flowers.

Clasping Venus looking glass: not flowering

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun your plant receives.
Check for signs of stretching or leaning.
Review your recent fertilizer schedule.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks tall and spindly with large gaps between leaves. It is reaching toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If growing indoors, place it in a south facing window or use a high output grow light.
Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant produces lots of lush green foliage but no flower buds. This happens when the soil is too rich in nitrogen.
What to do: Stop all fertilizing immediately. Switch to a balanced fertilizer with a lower nitrogen number if you must feed it, but usually, this plant prefers leaner soil.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your clasping venus looking glass

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant is mature and healthy but still shows no buds by late spring, it is likely not getting enough light. It is normal for young seedlings to focus on foliage before blooming.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent, bright direct sun throughout the growing season.