Monthly Carnivorous Plant Care

SARRACENIA, FLYTRAPS, AND HARDY SUNDEWS
• In zones 9 and warmer, no special care is necessary. Continue to care for your US-native carnivorous plants outdoors.

* In zones 8 and 7, all plants are dormant, but you will need to pay attention to the weather. Protect from freezing wind when temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C) or during prolonged freezes lasting more than a couple of days. You can do this by covering them with tarp or sheets of fabric. If you have a small collection, you can also bring them into a garage or shed for the duration of the freeze.

• In zones 6 and colder, your plants should already be safely tucked away for winter dormancy. Inspect your plants periodically for signs of dehydration and fungal infection.

• Throughout winter dormancy, make sure the soil is always moist. Never allow the soil to dry out.

• If you have your plants in a south window, you may see a growth spurt in your plants as a result of more sunlight entering the window, despite the shorter daylight hours. With the sun lower in the sky, many south windows become much sunnier, especially when trees drop their leaves.

• As we heat our homes this winter, keep your plants are away from drafts that can dry out your plants. Make sure the soil of your plants are damp. With any of the tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes, Heliamphora, Brocchina, and Cephalotus), always avoid waterlogged soil.

• Many of the South American and South African sundews will enjoy the milder home temperatures in winter. They often slow down during summer when it's hot, but they perk up in winter when home conditions are much more comfortable.

• Sundews can be kept in standing water, but it's not necessary to keep the water level high like you would in summer when evaporation happens much quicker. With slower evaporation in winter, you can add just enough to the saucer to maintain soil wetness.

• Some tropical butterworts will go dormant during winter in response to shorter days and slightly cooler temperatures. You'll know when your butterwort is dormant when it starts producing short succulent-like leaves in the center. The larger leaves from summer will gradually die off. When butterworts show signs of dormancy, keep the soil slightly damp to the touch. It's OK if the soil is dry for a day or two. Avoid waterlogged soil.