Defining 'Warm Days' for Darlingtonia Watering: Root Cooling and Disease Prevention

So here is the question: on your website you say water Darlingtonia twice a day on warm days. So I would like to know what do you consider warm days? Being that Darlingtonia prefer cooler temps, so that's why I want to know what you consider warm days. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Answer

Hi Michael,

To be clear, it’s the roots that need the cooler temperatures. The leaves of the plant have no problem with warm conditions. An analogy I’ve often heard from gardeners is that it’s like Clematis; they like their heads warm, but feet cold. I would top-water them any day it’s near 80°F or higher. It’s also good to shield their pots from direct sun.

Just recently we had two fungal diseases identified, Cylindrocarpon and Pythium, that cause root rot in Darlingtonia. Pythium is most active in the 80s and 90s°F. This is the warm soil link associated with “Sudden Death” syndrome in Darlingtonia, the cause of which was not known before. Keeping the soil cool and well oxygenated is part of what suppresses these fungi if they are present. Keeping pots and trays clean and sterile is also good prevention, as is always using new clean media when transplanting. Also be sure to avoid any ground contact with pots.

Good Growing!

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