Question
I have a Dionaea muscipula, and i am unsure whether or not i can grow it outdoors all year long. i live in kaysville utah. the soil mixture is 60% peat moss, and 40% perlite, with a thin layer of dried sphagnum moss. i use only distilled water. it is under a 26w full spectrum light bulb, which is 14.5" below the light. humidity is always around 68%. lighting is on from 7:15am to 8:45pm. i am wondering if i dare grow it outdoors all year long, even if i mulch it. it is about 1-2 years old. thanks for any input.

Answer
Hi Ann,

You definitely can, but don't attempt it until next year.  It's way too cold outside at this time, and your plant isn't acclimated.  For now drop your plant's photoperiod down to an 8 your day, or put your plant in a window that gets cold.  That will help to trigger dormancy.  Since your overwintering indoors, keep the soil damp, but only allow a little water to remain in the water tray.

Next spring transplant your plant to a large pot, and find a sunny spot for it outside.  When cold temperatures start you have several options for protecting your plant.  We have an extensive chapter on this subject in our e-book and our DVD also.  You'll find links to those from our homepage at cobraplant.com

Good Growing!

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