Question
This afternoon I ordered a Venus Flytrap from your web site along with a couple of bags of potting soil. I have two questions:

1) It is cold here in Massachusetts. The plant will have to stay indoors until May. How much light does a dormant Venus Flytrap need. I can put it in the basement which is 54 degrees F by a window but it won't get much light. Otherwise it will have to go in a room by a window but the temp will be in the mid-60's. Which should I go with?

2) When is the best time to repot the Venus Flytrap? Can I re-pot it when I first get it or should I wait a week or should I wait until it is just coming out of its dormancy?

Thanks, Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

Early March is when we tend to see the first signs of new growth here in the Northwest.  I would say when you get your plants put them in the sunniest window you have.  We've had a freakishly warm winter (sorry, I know you guys have had a brutal winter :(, so they may be just starting to grow at this time.

Right now this the best time to transplant.  While the plant is still mostly dormant they experience the least shock.  You can transplant them later in the season (done it many times), but they experience a bit of a set-back if they are in full growth.  A 5 or 6" pot is ideal for a flytrap.

Good Growing!

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