Why Flooding Sarracenia in Hot Weather Can Be Disastrous

Flooded Flower-boxes

Flooded Flower-boxes 1

Hi Jeff!

I have some flower-boxes including a water reservoir in which I grow Sarracenia (minor, psittacina, oreophila, alata, purpurea). Usually I fill the box with water till it trips from the downside. The reservoir usually holds enough water so that under full sun the soil will be kept moist.

However, since this week we are expecting around 91–96°F for several days and I am out of home for 3 days, I was thinking to block the box holes with some plugs so that the flower-boxes would be like “flooded” (see attached pictures). First, more water is likely to be available for the plants, and I am thinking it would be totally fine for them, right? I know they should always stand in some water when on tray, but would such “flooding” be fine too? In natural sites it must just look like that, right?

Thanks mate and have a great day!

JP

Answer

Hi JP,

Unfortunately, this can be a recipe for disaster in hot weather. Carnivorous plants like their root endings in water all the time, but soaking like this in stagnant conditions in cultivation (in nature water can be this deep, but it’s circulating and oxygenated) can lead to rotted rhizomes. You may have to have someone water while you’re gone. Sorry. :(

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
https://www.growcarnivorousplants.com