If you’ve ever watched Little Shop of Horrors and thought, “I could absolutely build that,” you’re correct. These giant Venus fly traps are dramatic, ridiculous, and surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for Halloween yard décor, haunted walkways, or anywhere you want your house to look mildly threatening.
The best part? They’re lightweight, reusable, and made mostly from craft foam, pumpkins, sticks, and spray paint. No animatronics. No wiring. Just big chompy plants.
Supplies
- Craft foam pumpkins (the larger, the better)
- Thick branches or sticks (for stems)
- Monstera Leaves (see hobby lobby florals)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Serrated knife or craft knife
- Spray paint (various greens)
Carve the Heads
Using a serrated knife, cut a large jagged opening into the foam pumpkin to create the “mouth.” Don’t overthink this—uneven, sharp edges make it look more aggressive (which is the goal).
Add the Stem
Attach a stem of the pumpkin to the thick branch. Secure it generously with hot glue and I used a screw to add some stability.
Let the glue fully set before moving on.
Paint
Spray paint the entire pumpkin in a mid-tone green as your base. Once dry, use darker green to add shading around the mouth, and fully paint your branch stem.
Attach the Leaves
Attach them to the stem with hot glue, spacing them out so the plant looks tall and slightly unhinged. For extra stability you can drill holes through the branch and run the wires from the leaves through.
Plant Your Monsters
Push the stems of the Giant Venus Fly Traps directly into the ground or secure them in planters along a walkway. They’re especially effective flanking an entryway or lining a path toward your front door.
