Question

Fly traps  
Sarracenia   QUESTION: Dear Sarracenia northwest ,

On the 27.10.15 I have received 1S.minor 1S. Psittaciana and 3 different fly trap clones all bear root,
My question is should I put them into dormency or let them skip it. I don't want to put them into shock from all the transplanting and shipping,the fly traps are still small with them at max 2 inc across , the S.minor has its pitchers at 12 inc and the S.psittachiana 5inc across and if they should go dormant how do I overwinter them, i live in Frankfurt Germany with Winter useley coldest at  (Zone 7) 0 - 10 f.

With Kind regards Dominik

ANSWER: Hi Dominik,

Since you may not know if the plants have been outside or in a greenhouse before you got them I would say overwinter them by placing them in a cool window indoors.  Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.  I would say don't have any more than 1 cm of water in their trays.  Also, top-water the pots when you water to help keep soil fresh and reduce mold spores.  I don't recommend any kind of refrigerator dormancy since it's too risky when a window will do what you need.  (Refrigerator dormancy is only recommended in tropical climates.)

When spring arrives and it looks like danger of frost is past, it will be time to move them outdoors to stay.  All of those plants are totally capable of handling your climate.  I do highly recommend you considering our volume #1 DVD.  We go into great detail on handling the plants during winter along with basic growing and how to avoid common pitfalls.  http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com/Grow-Carnivorous-Plants-DVDs-s/1826.htm

Here's our basic care information:  http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com/Articles.asp?ID=256

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the answer,
How cold should the window be ?

Answer
Hi Dominik,

If the night temperatures in the window get down to the 50's F or lower, and they are only getting natural daylight hours that will be fine.  That combination of cool and natural light cycle will let them go dormant.  Their dormancy will be shorter than outside, but it will be fine for a season.

Good Growing!

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