Question
QUESTION: I have a question relating to mexican butterwort dormancy. I have three butterworts (moranensis,laueana,moctezumae) all in a 12 inch diameter pot in a butterwort soil mix. I recently about a couple months ago got the laueana and moctezumae butterworts, also I repotted my moranensis about the same time. Since they are still adjusting to their new surroundings, when is a good time to make them go dormant? During dormancy how dry should the soil get, and how often and how much should I water them? Also about how long should they be dormant for?

Thanks,
Garrett Jepsen

ANSWER: Hi Garrett,

During the winter keep the soil just moist to the touch.  Keep little to no water in their tray.  You'll see them begin to shut down when they're ready.  All the bigger leaves will start to die while the short succulent leaves are forming in the center.  Once the larger leaves are gone, stop watering.  You can give them an ocassional splash of water, but otherwise keep them dry once dormant.  After about two months start watering again, or sometime in late spring, whichever comes first.  P. laueana and P. moctezumae will almost always go dormant, but P. moranensis often doesn't depending on conditions.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Good info, but is it possible to coax the plants into dormancy to simulate a dry season like in their natural habitat, or should I let the plants decide when they want to go dormant? One concern I have is since the plants are just now getting adjusted to their now pot, will going dormant affect them?

Thanks,
Garrett Jepsen

Answer
Hi Garrett,

With the P. moranensis just keep it moist, and it will decide if it needs to go dormant.  There's no need to force it to do so.  Other other two will probably go dormant no matter what you do.  Just let them do it on their own.  Once the big leaves are gone, stop watering.

Good Growing!

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