Venus Flytrap Dormancy in Tropical Puerto Rico

Gabriel in Puerto Rico (tropical, no winter) needs to induce dormancy in his Venus flytrap. He described Chris's ice-chest method (cold packs at night, open with indirect light by day, Oct–Nov through Feb) and asked about shock from sudden cold, gradual transition, and thermometer use.

Another respondent (not Jeff) advised: dormancy requires no light (photoperiod 0), leaves die back to rhizome. In Costa Rica-like winters (~10–11°C), the plant enters dormancy naturally. When nearly dormant, seal the pot in a black bag with a few drops of water—humidity stays high all winter. Open every 4–5 weeks to check, add water. White mold on soil is harmless. Warning: ice packs next to the plant dry it out.

Good Growing!