Question
QUESTION: Should I cut off my flytrap leaves before they go into dormancy? They are going to be in a north window in a garage.
John

ANSWER: Hi John,

In a sheltered area like a garage just cut off any longer leaves.  Leave about 3 small traps.  This is normally what we see here in our plants naturally in a Zone 8 climate.  Monitor your temperatures in the garage.  As long as it's above freezing in there it's of no concern.  If you get into a hard cold snap, and the garage temperatures are below freezing for a long time, they you should put some mulch on top of the plant to minimize dehydration, or remove the rest of the leaves.

Good Growing!

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The tray of water freezes on very cold days.  Should I worry?  Should I cut off the leaves?  I live in Zone 6A, but it seems more like zone 7.
Thanks a lot,
John

Answer
Hi John,

The water freezing in the tray is a given.  If the garage is normally above freezing, leaving just the few winter leaves like I described before is fine.  Flytraps do some photosynthesis during the winter, so leaving a few leaves is good for them.  If you think the plant is going to be frozen for long periods, then removing all the leaves would be the better option.  I don't know your specific weather patterns, so you have to make a call on that.

Good Growing!

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