Troubleshooting Venus Flytrap 'B52 x Low Giant' Decline After Shipping

A SW Oregon grower received 4 flytraps from Sarracenia NW. 'B52 x Low Giant' shows blackening traps; others thrive. Conditions: 8.5 hrs direct sun, original pots, rainwater, styrofoam coolers for root cooling (unusually hot). Asks if shipping stress or replacement needed.

Jeff Dallas: Requests photos and rainwater collection details (zinc/galvanized roof = toxic). Flytraps most water-sensitive CP. Shipping stress possible but rare—flytraps tolerate heat well (best growth in summer). Replacement via website contact.

Follow-up: Photos show blackening from outside in, ~5 dead traps, no central new growth. Water from Suntuf plastic roof/gutter. Dallas diagnoses: 'B52 x Low Giant' naturally holds traps low and dark. Dead traps = old. 5 open traps + 1 emerging = healthy. Cut dead traps, feed live insects—giant forms have higher metabolism/food demand. Styrofoam gravel base: ensure pot bottom ¼" sits in water. Plants need dormancy this year after year without.

Key insight: Large-trap cultivars need supplemental feeding when insect capture is low.