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Winter Dormancy of Carnivorous Plants

Many species of carnivorous plants require a period of dormancy during the winter months. This allows the plants to rest and generate flower buds for the following season. If the plants are not allowed to rest they generally continue to decline over several months until they simply run out of energy and die. The onset of dormancy is actually triggered more by day length than by temperature. Because of this, some terrarium grown plants may not necessarily know when to go dormant due to the artificial light cycles they are grown under. It would be best to gradually decrease the photoperiod over a period of a few weeks to induce the plants to stop growth and prepare for dormancy.

Signs that plants are ready for dormancy varies among the various species. Sarracenias generally show little more indication than a cessation of growth. Some of the pitchers may start to brown at the tops but this is also a normal occurrence throughout summer. Venus Fly Traps will stop producing new leaves and those that it does have may turn yellow and brown. Temperate sundews generally form tiny winter rosettes of tightly curled leaves. If you are not sure, pulling the plants for winter dormancy by mid to late October should be safe.

Once the plants are ready to be stored for the winter you should allow the pots to drain but not dry out. The growing media should be kept moist at all times. Trim off any dead leaves and generally clean the plants up. They can then be placed into a clear plastic bag, pots and all, and sealed up. The plants do not necessarily need any light while dormant but a clear bag allows for easier monitoring over winter. The bags should then be placed in a cool area, preferably 40-45 degrees for the duration of the dormancy. A cool basement or unheated garage would work well. If such an area is not available, and if the plants are small enough, they can be placed in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator as an alternative. It is important that they be kept cool as if they are maintained too warm the plants will not fully enter dormancy and get the rest they need.

After a rest period of three to five months they can be removed from their storage and gradually introduced to brighter light longer photoperiod and warmth. The plants can then be repotted into fresh media at this time if desired or needed. They then should be kept just moist until signs of new growth are evident at which time they can be returned to their normal growing area and moisture level.