Question
Hi! I was wondering if you could help shed some light on a quick question I have. I've read tons of FAQ's and great informative sites, but I can't seem to recall if flytraps still need to eat when they're in their dormant time. Would it hurt them if they did? Should I feed them or leave them be? Finally, would it matter if their dormant period was spent in a garage or outdoors in regards to eating?

I appreciate the help and your time! Thank you!

Answer
Hi Ashley,

To shed some light on this subject it helps to understand what it is carnivorous plants are doing with the insects they are capturing.  Prey digested by cp are used for fertilizer, not energy.  Like all green plants, they get their energy from the sun.  This is very different than why animals eat, which is to get energy.

When plants are dormant they are doing little to no photosynthesis.  Likewise, they are not using much in the way of soil nurtients.  In short, if regular plants aren't using fertilizer when dormant, then carnivorous plants don't need insects.  In the case of Venus flytraps it is unlikely they will catch insects during dormancy anyway since their most of their leaves are gone.

Where you decide to leave your plant for the winter is determined by how cold it gets in your climate.  Since you didn't give me your location, I can't comment on that.  Their ability to feed really shouldn't even be a consideration in where you decide to put them for winter.  It's not relevant to the plant's health.


Good Growing!

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