Managing Live Sphagnum Top Dressing for Sarracenia and Venus Flytraps During Dormancy

Sarracenia: Leave It

Live sphagnum creates an acidic, antifungal surface—beneficial for Sarracenia. It’s natural for them.

Venus Flytraps: Monitor Crown

If sphagnum engulfs the crown, gently pull it back to prevent crowding.

Botrytis Prevention Outdoors

• UV light and rain naturally suppress mold.
• Remove dead foliage ruthlessly (except S. purpurea/psittacina phyllodia).
• If plants must be enclosed (greenhouse/cold frame), spray sulfur fungicide preventatively.
• Keep water trays ≤¼ pot height; don’t flood.

Sphagnum & Botrytis

Live sphagnum’s acidity inhibits botrytis; it rarely starts underneath. Dead long-fiber sphagnum is a different story.