Carnivorous Plant Winter Care in New Zealand (Zone 9)

Package of random CPs from NZ nursery (winter): large S. purpurea, cobra lily, parrot pitcher, VFT, sundews, other pitchers. Sunny spot, 4–6 hrs direct sun, tray of rainwater. How much water? 1 cm enough? Leave out all winter (rarely freezes in Auckland)? Cobra lily tongues brown—normal? Purpurea/parrot pitcher browning? VFT tiny brown spot? Sundews no dew? Repot now or late winter?

Carnivorous Plants

Expert Guidance: Dormancy Is Normal

Jeff Dallas: winter = dormancy. Sarracenia, Darlingtonia, VFT leaves should brown. No growth now. Temperate sundews (D. filiformis, rotundifolia) at winter buds (hibernacula). Subtropical (D. binata, capensis) may have leaves. New growth in August.

Water and Care

• 1–2 cm water in trays fine. Don't keep super wet; just don't let dry out.
• Auckland winters may be too warm—keep cool until late August, then full sun.
• Watch for fungus; preventative sulfur fungicide spray.

Repotting

Great time to repot. Divide large Sarracenia in September.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
https://www.cobraplant.com