Question

Sarracenia something   QUESTION: Allexpert,

Hey this sarracenia has started to come out of dormancy.   I believe the plant is a Sarracenia Alata. It could also be a Canebreaker. I honestly have no idea.  I do know, I got the plant from you guys last year.  I have the under some CFL lights. I know how you guys are against this, but my deck is being worked on so this will have to do.  You have any suggestion on what I can do instead? Please, let me know.  I have a picture of the plant.   I did have to during the winter spray it a few times.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,


Weylin Callery

ANSWER: In regards to your question, to determine if your plant is alive, you will need to unpot it and examine its roots.  If the root are white and supple, the plant is alive and simply needs more time to emerge from dormancy.  If the roots are completely brown, the plant is dead.  You can also scrape the sides of the rhizome.  If the rhizome is brown on the inside, the plant is dead.

Right now, I don't have enough information to properly help you find the cause of the plant's demise, if it is indeed dead.  I'm not at all clear if you had the plant outside all winter and just brought inside recently, or if you had the plant indoors the entire time.  In any case, first you'll need to determine if the plant is alive or not.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: Allexperts,

The plant currently has white tipped roots.  It appears that the plant is taking a bit longer to come out.  I had the plant in a type of cold storage.   The plant has been going from inside to outside.  One reason is that they deck, where the plant grows is being worked on.   The top of the plant is brown the roots are white.    Is the plant going to die?  Is there anything I can do?   

Sincerely,

Weylin Callery

Answer
If the rhizome is dead, then they're no chance for recovery, even if the roots are currently alive.  It'll just be time before they too die off.  Make sure to check the inside of the rhizome to confirm that it's dead.  The growing point or crown will also be completely brown and soft if the plant is dead.  It could be that the rhizome succumbed to fungus.