Question

Sarracenia  

S. alata   Hello, I have had carnivorous plants for two years now, and this year, my S. Alata has very small leaves.  It does not look sick, just has very small leaves, especially in comparison to the S. rubra wherri, which it was much taller than, last year.

I live in Chicago, Il (zone 5).  The plants are all kept outside, get 9 hrs of direct sun per day, in 50/50 pete moss/pearl lite, and are watered by tray method with rain barrel water.

Should I worry about root rot, or could it be caused by the very cool summer we have had?  We have only had a couple of days above 90 deg. with most in upper 70's to low 80's, with nights much cooler.  My flytraps only really took off in the last couple of weeks.  Also, neither S. alata or red hood tried to flower this year.

I included pics.  S. alata on left and in single pic.  For reference, in group photo, S. Alata "red hood" in middle, and S. rubra wherri on right.
 
Thanks, Brian

Answer
Hi Brian,

Thank-you for attaching the photos.  That really helps.  

What it looks like you have happening is what we call in the Northwest sometimes a "Green Tomato Summer".  A buddy of mine in Louisville told me that many of his plants haven't preformed as well, and it's most likely because it hasn't been as warm for you folks in the Midwest.  Your species in question are from the Gulf Coast and are used to hot summers.  The S. alata with the smallest leaves is our clone from Texas, and they are used to very hot summers.  S. alata, some S. rubra forms and S. leucophylla (excluding Tarnok") are notorious for not producing big robust pitchers until the weather gets fairly warm.

It's nothing to be too worried about.  If you get some warmer spells in the next month, you should see it turn around.  Like you said, the plants are healthy enough, just not as big as usual.  If you have a warmer summer next year you should see it turn around.

Good Growing!

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