Question
I stopped having North American species because I could not properly care for them through the winter. I have no garage or other building in which they can be kept cold, but not freezing. How can you tell if the soil is moist if it is frozen and there is no possible way to keep water in the tray unless ice counts. Even placing the plant in a styrofoam cooler and filling it with leaves doesn't do the trick. I would still like to grow flytraps, but I don't see how I can do that successfully. Any help?

Answer
Hi Linda,

The issue of winter protection isn't about preventing the soil from freezing, but it's about preventing moisture loss through the leaves during freezing AND insulating against rapid changes in temperature.  Hence, a lot of the overwintering techniques involve some sort of mulch.

Yes, the soil will freeze.  However, the mulch will prevent moisture loss and insulate the plant from rapid temperature changes.

You can also use the refrigerator technique that we outline in our e-book, Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden.  But, using a heavy layer of mulch is the simplest method.

You also mentioned that you used leaves.  Be careful of the type of mulch you use because fungal infection is a serious risk.  We don't recommend using leaves.  Instead we recommend bark, wood chips, pine needles or straw.  Leaves tend to harbor a lot of fungal spores, which will kill your plants.  You will also need to spray your plants with a heavy dose of a sulfur fungicide prior to layering the mulch.

Overwintering North American carnivorous plants can be done.  We have many customers in upstate New York, Main, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin who have successfully overwintered their plants using the techniques we outline in our ebook and DVD.  The key is finding the right combination that works for your particular microclimate.

For more information about overwintering techniques, read our ebook or watch our DVD, Grow Carnivorous Plants Volume 1:
http://www.cobraplant.com/ebook
http://www.cobraplant.com/DVD

Good growing!
Jacob Farin