Question

My vfts   I live in Southern California, Zone 9.  I grow a regular Venus Fly Trap along with an Akai Ryu outside in full sun (about 6 hours a day).  I've had them for several months, water with distilled water, and keep them in a mix of 1:1 peat/perlite.

I've read a lot about vft dormancy and remember reading about zone 8 and warmer, one can just leave their vfts outdoors.

During winter here, it normally ranges from 50-80F for a high (averages around 60F) and 35-50F for a low (average 45).  No snow, sometimes rain.

Aside from the natural cooling of temperature and fewer hours of sunlight, should I do anything special for winter dormancy due to my location?  I know about keeping their soil moist and don't deny them sun but I'm concerned it might be too warm?

Thanks.

Answer
I have never lived in your location so I can't speak authoritatively. However, from your description, it seems to me that your Venus Flytraps will be fine exposed to the temperature range you mention, which should provide them with a reasonable and comfortable dormancy.

Be aware that during dormancy, with cooler temperatures and less sunlight, the water needs of the plants is reduced drastically, and the frequency of watering should be kept to a minimum because cool and wet conditions for too long can easily promote rot and death of the plants. It is much safer to water thoroughly (preferably in the morning to allow the growing medium to dry somewhat before nightfall and cooler temperatures) and then wait for days until the medium is just barely moist before watering thoroughly again.

During the Summer and active growing season, in warm to hot weather with lots of sun, I typically water my plants every 2-5 days depending on pot size and depth, weather and other factors. However, during dormancy, I typically water those same plants every 7-15 days, with most of them requiring water only after 10 days or more. This diminished water requirement, without letting the plants become absolutely dry, is very important to ensure the health of Venus Flytraps during dormancy.

There are many people in southern California that grow Venus Flytraps, including quite a few members of the FlytrapCare Forum. I would suggest that you join the forum and ask questions about Venus Flytraps and their dormancy in that forum, to receive a lot of good answers, comments and advice from not only southern Californians but people all over the world.

FlytrapCare Forum
http://www.FlytrapCare.com/phpBB3/

Best wishes, happy growing and good luck,

Steve