Venus Flytrap Winter Dormancy in a Garage: What to Expect

If your Venus flytrap is spending winter in a garage and remains mostly green but sluggish (traps don't close quickly), don't worry—this is completely normal.

Typical Winter Behavior

• Incomplete die-back: Flytraps often retain green leaves through winter rather than dying back completely.
• Reduced trap function: During dormancy, traps are largely inactive and may not close at all.
• Slow metabolism: The plant is essentially "resting" and doesn't need to catch prey.

Winter Care Checklist

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Remove any dead leaves promptly to prevent mold.
• Provide a cold period (35–50°F / 2–10°C) for proper dormancy.
• Avoid fertilizing or feeding during this time.

Your plant is behaving exactly as it should. Come spring, it will resume active growth and trap function.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com