Best Carnivorous Plants for Beginners: Indoor Winter Growing in Cold Climates

A parent in Pittsburgh wanted a Venus flytrap for their 8-year-old but needed a plant that could thrive indoors through a Pennsylvania winter.

Why Venus Flytrap Is a Poor Choice

• Native to Zone 8; requires a cold winter dormancy.
• In winter, they lose most leaves and look dead—disappointing for a child.
• Best purchased in spring for outdoor growing.

Better Option: Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis)

• Subtropical; no dormancy required.
• Thrives on sunny windowsills or under fluorescent desk lamps.
• Visibly catches insects on sticky, moving leaves.
• Supplement short winter days with a fluorescent light (12–14 hours).

Cape sundew is forgiving, fast-growing, and endlessly entertaining for kids.