Question
QUESTION: well this is my first winter season where i own carnivorous plants and springs is around the corner. For where i live its already happening. I live in Los Angeles. I have some Sarracenias which are a Pale Pitcher, Yellow Trumpet, white pitcher top, Judith Hindle, Hooded Pitcher, and a Canebrake Sweet pitcher which I bought at a Hardware store. My question is which ones should I leave the winter leaves to? Or is it okay to cut the winter leaves to all of them? also my canebrake sweet pitcher just recently got adapt to the outdoor living situations. would it be okay to just cut all of its leaves at this time?

ANSWER: Hi Jesse,

Yes, it's perfectly OK to trim off all the dead leaves from last season.  This is important because you want sunlight to reach the new growth.  

If you haven't seen our video podcasts, go to:
http://www.cobraplant.com/podcast

Watch the care instructions for February 2009.  We demonstrate how to clip off the leaves on a Sarracenia pitcher plant.  Later this month, we'll also be posting a video podcast about this very nature, clipping Sarracenia leaves.

So, yes, clip away!  You'll have a healthier and nicer plant during the growing season.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: I am sorry I think I wasn't clear but I did trim all of the dead leaves. Actually I was talking about the phyllodia leaves that it produces during winter season. They still look to be fine and not dried, but i am not sure if i should be clipping them away or I should leave them until next month or so. Thank you so much for your help.

Answer
If either the pitcher or phyllodia looks good, you can keep it until they start browning up later in the season.  You can see examples of this in our February podcast, which is still available for viewing:
http://www.cobraplant.com/podcast

Good growing!
Jacob Farin