Venus Flytrap Winter Watering: Avoiding Desiccation in Dormancy

Dormant Venus flytraps need consistently damp—not bone dry—soil. Soil pulling away from pot edges indicates dangerous dehydration. Maintain a shallow water tray (≤1 inch) and top-water weekly to prevent mold. Check weekly; don't neglect garage-stored plants.

Many "dry dormancy" plants (Mexican Pinguicula, tuberous Drosera, Drosophyllum) also need residual deep moisture—none grow in true desert conditions. If you can't remember garage watering, keep plants on a cool north-facing windowsill where you'll see them daily.