Why Dente Flytraps Rot During Dormancy: Fungus and Watering Mistakes

Losing Venus flytraps (especially cultivars like ‘Dente’) during winter dormancy while other plants survive is frustrating. Two key factors usually cause this:

1. Fungal Infection

Overwintering in an unheated room or sheltered balcony creates stagnant, humid air—perfect for fungus. Wild temperature swings (20°F to 60°F) worsen the problem. Fungus attacks the rhizome, turning it brown and mushy.

2. Infrequent Watering

Watering only every two weeks risks the soil drying out. If a freeze hits while the soil is dry, a freeze‑drying effect kills the plant. The soil must stay moist to the touch all winter—not sopping, but never bone‑dry.

Prevention Checklist

• Spray plants with a sulfur‑based fungicide (e.g., Safer Garden Fungicide) at the start of dormancy and periodically through winter.
• Check soil moisture weekly; water enough to keep it damp.
• Use a wider, shallower water tray so the pot isn’t sitting in deep water, but the soil stays evenly moist.
• Consider our DVD Grow Carnivorous Plants Volume 1 for detailed winter‑care guidance.

An unheated room works if you manage humidity and moisture diligently. Your other plants survived because they were either more resistant or had slightly better conditions.

Good growing!