Question
Hi guys

 I have a number of Sarracenia seedlings, and fall is here. So the question for dormancy for these plants comes to mind.  What would be the best way to achieve dormancy for these plants -- or could I winter them through so they get larger and then let them go dormant for the first time in 2008 ?

As you know I have an outdoor bog. The Sarracenia outside have put up phyllodia. When I mulch, should I just cut the winter leaves off ? or can I cover them with the burlap then the  mulch so they will be available for photosynthesis in the spring ? I would certainly treat  them with an antifugal spray.

Finally -- many of my nepenthes are putting up basal shoots. Can I separate the basal shoots from the mother (or father) plant and how would I go about doing that?   

Thanks for the help
Nicole - 90 miles north of NYC

Answer
Hi Nicole,

Go ahead and keep your seedlings indoors for the winter.  You'll get faster growth that way.  They can actually go a couple of winters without dormancy.  When they mature, of course acclimate them for outdoor growing.  

With your Sarracenia flava and S. oreophila, keep their winter leaves, or at least a few of them.  As you know, a fellow grower had trouble with burlap.  If you're using brand new burlap fabric, you should be fine.  Avoid using used burlap, such as used potato sacks.  Used burlap is usually loaded with fungal spores.  

With your Nepenthes, you can split the basal shoots as long as roots are attached to it.  If not, keep it on the parent plant until it produces its own roots.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin