Question
I have a Venus fly trap I purchased from a department store in one of those plastic terrariums.  I acclimated it during the spring to live outside (in Ohio) during the summer and fall.  I bought it in and put it in an east facing window because the winters here are too cold to leave it outside.  During a period of being sick, I neglected to check the moisture level of the growing medium and it dried out.  Once I noticed it I immediately gave it some water but I'm wondering if that 3 week dry spell might have killed it.  Is there any way to know besides waiting till Spring to see if it comes back?

Answer
Hi Tina,

With Venus flytraps if you catch them just as their beginning to wilt and water them they will sometimes bounce back.  Three weeks?  I'm afraid it's already gone to that big bog in the sky. :(

On the off chance some moisture was in the soil and the rhizome is still alive, here what to do.  Unpot the plant and inspect the rhizome.  If you still see firm, white appearance, it may still be alive.  Keep it watered and wait.  If it's shriveled or brown, it's gone.

Good Growing!

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