Question
I live in coastal southern California. I have various varieties of Sarracenia coming out of hibernation. They are sending up multiple flower stalks, and here is my question: The popular belief is to cut the flower stalks of Venus Flytraps to promote trap development. Should I apply this advise to the Sarracenia flower stalks and cut them?

Thanks much for the reply!

Answer
Hi Kirk,

The answer is, it depends.  If you have newly, recently divided rhizomes, definitely cut off the flower stalks.  They really weaken the plant as it is trying to recover from the damage and grow new roots.  Plants with flowers removed will definitely have more pitchers.  On established plants, it's not as straight-forward.  A good healthy plant can bloom, and have nice pitchers.  If your goal is to have as many pitchers as possible, and more rapid growth, cutting the flowers could help with this.  Sarracenia flowers are so beautiful, however, it almost a shame to cut them.  It's part of the joy of having these plants, and why they are still my favorite carnivorous plants.

Good Growing!

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