Question
Hello,

I currently have two nepenthes that I bought last spring at Lowe's I just let them out in my backyard under the trees & they do just fine! I've been reading a lot on Sarracenia & Sundews species & would like to start growing them. I live in Tampa FL and the winters here aren't so cold so I didn't know if i had to put them on a fridge for 3 months or leave them out. temperatures here are very unstable. one day can be 30 degrees the next day can be 70. so what should I do? I do have a greenhouse where I keep my orchids but I know these plants like full sun.

Thank you

Jose Rodriguez

Answer
Hi Jose,

With any of the North American species definitely leave them out.  Central Florida is considered USDA zone 9, and you definitely get enough cool weather combined with the decrease in daylight hours to induce dormancy.  Dormancy is just shorter.  Plus it allows you to grow a few things that can tolerate lite frosts, but not hard freezes.  Many of the South African sundews fit in this category along with the red form of D. filiformis. (It's native to central FL.)  Many of the Mexican butterworts will be fine also as long as they are partially shaded.  

Most tropicals do well in your area too as long as you protect them during the coldest months.  Your hot humid summers are ideal for woolly sundews and others from Northern Australia.

Good Growing!

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