Question
Jeff,
In the past we have talked about whether water can get too cold for hardy carnivorous plants. But other than Darlingtonia (we know that's a special case, and we are on that), it is possible for water in planters to get too hot for NA other hardy carnivorous plants?  Some of ours get direct, southerly sun all day on a deck, next to our house, so they really bake.  So far, they love it. But given the Oregon heat wave this past weekend, I began to wonder.  The water temp got up to the high 80s in the planters, and the low to mid 80s at root-depth in the pots.  Are we boiling our roots?  should we toss some ice in, or insulate the pots when its really hot out?

Answer
Hi Dresden,

I wouldn't add any chilled water to your planters since that could actually set you back.  Plants from the SE US are used to some pretty warm temperatures.  Like you, our plants exploded during the heat wave last week.

What I would do is take a look at your planters and determine if you have large surface areas that are dark colored and exposed to sun.  If you do, rig up something to shade the pots themselves.  We do that using shade cloth that you can buy at most home improvement stores.  Our pools tend to do this for our potted plants.  Water temperatures can get fairly high, but we always get the night cool-down, so it usually isn't a problem, but you can always flood trays during the heat of the day with fresh water.  Also, if your plants are right against the house, try moving them more out in the open.  That way they are not getting the reflected heat during the midday.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com