Monthly Carnivorous Plant Care

• Although North American species are dormant for the winter, never allow their soil to dry completely. Keep a small amount of water in their trays whenever the temperature rises above freezing.

• In zones 6 and colder, your plants should already be under a thick layer of mulch outside or in storage. If the temperature rises above freezing, always make sure the soil remains damp. If you have your plants in storage, watch for fungal and mold infections. Spray your plants with a sulfur-based fungicide as needed.

• In zone 7 through 10, you might experience some warm, spring-like weather this month. This would be a good time to cut off dead foliage to allow maximum sunlight to the new growth. Now is also a good time to repot and divide your plants.

• Regardless of your zone, pay attention to the weather. Always protect your plants from unexpected prolonged freezes.

• Tropical sundews will grow more vigorously now that the days are getting longer. Continue watching for symptoms of low light levels. Supplement with artificial lights if necessary. Clip off dead leaves.

• Some Nepenthes might not produce any pitchers during winter as a result of the lower light levels and cooler temperatures. Clip off dried pitchers. Make sure your plant is in the sunniest window with a few hours of direct sunlight and bright filtered light during the rest of the day.

• Many species of Mexican butterwort will still be dormant. A few might be actively growing. Keep the soil just barely damp at this time of the year. Clip off dead leaves.

• Watch for pests. They sometimes pop up in winter when plants are not as vigorous as in spring and summer. Treat accordingly with a systemic or topical insecticide. Always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.