How Do You Keep Carnivorous Plants Alive In The Winter?

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:44 pm

Nature’s lavish bounty has produced some extraordinary plants. The carnivores are undoubtedly among them. Granted, on the outside they don’t always look impressive. But in one thing they are different from all other plants: they like meat! Do they tick in other things also so strangely? For example, when winter approaches, do they need a digestive sleep? Or even a vegan diet?

Species and climatic origin

Carnivorous plants, also called carnivores, carnivores or insectivores, come in numerous species and varieties. They are not all directly related, rather they are found within other plant orders. Their distribution also extends over several continents, touching different climatic zones. Thus, they also differ in their requirements for living conditions and care requirements.

Therefore, when it comes to overwintering, a generalized statement is not possible. Not all carnivorous plants need to rest in the winter, and in terms of winter hardiness, they vary widely. Therefore, clarify from which original region your carnivorous plant originates and to which genus it belongs. This usually determines its requirements in the cold season. If in doubt, it is better to overwinter them protected from frost. The common species that are cultivated in our country are described in more detail below with regard to their winter requirements.

Venus flytrap

It is the undisputed star among carnivores. Its tentacles snap shut in a matter of seconds, and the insect is caught in the trap. A spectacle that apparently fascinates many people, because there is a great demand for them. Its native habitat is in the USA, in North and South Carolina and Florida, where it has different climatic conditions than in northern and central Europe. In its native country it grows in the wild, here it is kept as a pot plant.

Resting requirements

The Venus flytrap is only hardy to a limited extent, so a longer period of rest begins for it in the fall. To recognize when it needs rest, it is not necessary to look at the calendar, the Venus flytrap itself gives clear signs.

• it forms very small leaves
• it does not open its leaves
• the inside of the leaves does not turn red anymore

If you notice these signs, it is time to give it a suitable winter quarters until April. Before that, cut off the above-ground parts to prevent them from becoming moldy.

Note: Young plants should not be hibernated for the first two years
Winter quarters
This carnivore has certain requ

• irements for an optimal winter quarters. It should have the following characteristics:
• no large fluctuations in room temperature
• constant temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius
• very bright
• free from drafts
• Suitable quarters could be:
• basement rooms with large windows that let in plenty of light
• light-flooded attics
• unheated staircases

Winter care

During her resting phase, only minimal basic care needs to be maintained. During this time, it requires no fertilizer at all
fertilizer and only a little water. Moderate watering can be done every two to three weeks. Waterlogging should never form. The saucer must be emptied promptly if watering water has collected in it.
Wintering in the refrigerator
If there is no suitable winter quarters available that meet all the previously mentioned conditions, the refrigerator remains as the last alternative. For this you do not need to clean out your refrigerator, a little space is enough.

1. take the plant out of the pot.
2. remove the leaves and the traps.
3. completely free the roots from the substrate.
4. rinse the root ball with lukewarm water.

Dampen several layers of paper towels and wrap them around the root ball. 6.

Then place the wrapped root ball in a moist transparent bag. 7.

Close the bag with a ribbon. 8.

8. put the bag in the refrigerator.
9. In April, the plant can leave the winter quarters.
10. check the roots for rot and remove diseased parts.
11. plant the Venus flytrap again.

Tip: During this time, take extra care not to have moldy food in the refrigerator.

Wintering outdoors

If your Venus flytrap grows right in your garden, you could venture outdoors for the winter. It is important that the plant is not too young and of vigorous growth. However, it definitely needs winter protection and should be covered. However, even the best protection is not a guarantee of survival, especially in very cold winters.

Tubular plants

The tubular plants, also called trumpet plants, also come from the USA. One popular variety is the red tubular plant; it is considered hardy and winter-hardy. In addition, there are other types of tubular plants that are not hardy at all or only partially hardy, such as the Brown Red or White tubular plant.

Dormancy requirements

In autumn, the winter dormancy period of the tubular plants, botanically Sarracenia, begins. Only young plants do not need dormancy for the first three years. Non-hardy tubular plants are cultivated in pots in our country. They are sensitive to frost, because in the pot the root ball can freeze faster.

Note: When approaching winter dormancy, some plants form
plants form so-called phyllodes. These non-carnivorous leaves look like compressed tubes.

Winter quarters and care

The ideal wintering quarters for tubular plants in pots is bright and also cold at 2 to 10 degrees. They do not need fertilizer and water should also be sparing. The worst enemies in the winter quarters are mold and rot. Conditionally hardy varieties can survive light frosts outdoors. If it gets too cold, they need to move to a protected winter quarters.

Pitcher plants

In New Guinea, Malaysia and Philippines grow about 100 species of pitcher plants, bot. Nepenthes. In our country, mainly various hybrid varieties are used as houseplants. They stop flowering and growing in winter.
Lowland pitcher plants need 20 to 30 degrees Celsius all year round and continuously day and night.
Highland pitcher plants can be at 10 to 16 degrees Celsius at night.
need a lot of brightness
hang plant lamp in winter
do not give fertilizer
need less water than in summer
Note: Some leaves may dry up due to lack of light, even with good winter care.

Water hoses

Water tubes catch their prey in tube-like traps, which is where they got their name. South America and Australia are their main distribution areas. There they are accustomed to hot climates and, during their growing season, to abundant water.

Utricularia graminifolia

It is found outside its native habitat, especially in aquariums. In them, this carnivorous plant can also overwinter well, without special precautions or special care. As a marsh plant, however, it must be protected in winter, as it is not hardy. The easiest way to do this is to move it to an aquarium before the first frosts and let it spend the winter there. As soon as no more frost is expected, it can be returned to the garden pond.

Utricularia vulgaris

This type of water hose floats freely in the garden pond. Thanks to good winter hardiness, the plant can overwinter directly in the pond. In the fall, it simply rolls up into a ball and sinks to the bottom of the pond. After winter dormancy, the plant simply unrolls again and sprouts anew. This is also called a gardener-friendly overwintering method.

Shoot plants

They also come from far away, as Australia is their natural home. Although they do not hibernate, their care needs are less in winter than in summer.
if the temperature outside falls below 10 degrees Celsius they must be brought inside
the winter location must be bright
the water requirement is low
Tip: If the plant is allowed out again in summer, it should only be exposed to the sun in doses until it has become accustomed to it again. Otherwise its leaves may burn.

Sundew

Species of this genus are numerous in number and are native to South Africa, South America and Australia. From Droserea there are both hardy and non-hardy varieties.
Temperate species
These species are hardy and are also common in Europe. They grow in bog beds and open ground. They need winter dormancy, but do not require much assistance from the owner. The plant retracts it and forms a so-called overwintering bud. As soon as it is warm enough in the spring, it sprouts again.

Note: If the water in the bog bed freezes completely, the plant can no longer absorb water and would dry up. Make sure that this situation does not occur.

Subtropical species

Subtropical species of sundew are extremely easy to cultivate, which is why this species is often found in our country as a houseplant. In their native country they have warm summers and cool winters. Therefore, in summer they can stand outdoors with us, but must overwinter at room temperature, because our winter is much too cold for them.

• must overwinter frost-free
• room temperature between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius
• location with a lot of light
• no fertilizer and less water

Not all species of subtropical sundew require a colder environment in winter. Some species can be easily overwintered at normal room temperature. Among them, the popular varieties Drosera aliciae and Drosera capensis. However, they require a plant lamp to provide additional light during the darker months of the year. If they are too dark, their resistance will decrease and gray mold may be the undesirable result.

Note: If the reddish leaves of sundew turn green, it is a sign of lack of light.

Tropical sundew

Tropical sundews need warm temperatures year-round, plenty of brightness and direct sunlight. Humidity should be at least 50 percent. In order to thrive, they still need a resting period. They survive the winter best at 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. It may be nevertheless bright. Water only with low-calcium water, a little less in winter.

Dwarf Sundew

A terrarium with high humidity is ideal for these miniature plants. It should get as much sun as possible. In winter it does well with a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. During this time it needs less water.