Monthly Carnivorous Plant Care

SARRACENIA
• Pitchers on early season Sarracenia, such as S. flava and S. oreophila, will brown significantly. However, they will have spear-like, non-carnivorous leaves near the base of the plant.

• Pitchers on late season varieties may still look good, even after a frost. Pitchers on Sarracenia leucophylla and its hybrids often intensify in color during fall. However, pitchers produced earlier in the season might be drying up by now.

• Some Sarracenia will still have vibrant-looking pitchers. Cut away any of the dried pitchers to bring attention to the nicer looking ones.

FLYTRAPS
• Flytraps will stop working once the first frost hits. They will also drop their upright leaves and appear much smaller. No new growth will occur after that. Trim off dead traps.

HARDY SUNDEWS
• Hardy sundews will die back after the first frost. The plant will form its winter resting bud (hibernaculum). Clip off dead leaves.

• Collect seeds from your Sarracenia and sundews. Stratify them outdoors by sowing them now. Otherwise, store them in your refrigerator to sow them at a later date.

• If you live in zones 6 or colder, be prepared to mulch your plants very soon. Wait until you have had 3 at least consecutive days of frost and your daytime temperatures are consistently 45°F (7°C) or less. Refer to The Ultimate Carnivorous Plant Guide for Beginners for details about winterizing your plants.

• In zone 8 and 7, mulching isn't necessary. However, be prepared to cover your plants when the temperature drops below 20°F (-7°C). Even during dormancy, your plants will need water. Make sure the soil is always moist and that there is some water in their water trays.

GENERAL CARE
• If you're growing your tropical plants outdoors, monitor your night temperatures. If the night temperature consistently drops to 50°F (10°C), it may be time to bring your tropical plants indoors. Avoid frost!

• Before bringing plants indoors, inspect them for pests. If necessary, spray them with a water-based insecticide, such as pyretrhin or neem. Always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

• When bringing your plants indoors, place them in a window that has similar lighting to what they were getting during the summer. Choose a south window whenever possible.

• Make sure your plants are watered appropriately. Never allow the soil to dry completely.