Mulching and Winter Storage for Temperate Carnivorous Plants in Zone 6

A grower 90 miles north of NYC (zone 6) asked about mulch composition (90% pine needles, 10% oak/maple leaves) and whether to store potted plants in a fluctuating unheated shed or a steady unheated cellar.

Mulch

Deciduous leaves in the mulch are no problem—they break down harmlessly.

Storage Choice

Choose the cellar (30s–40s°F, steady). Shed's temperature swings are stressful.

• Spray heavily with fungicide.
• Keep damp, not wet.
• Clip most foliage to reduce mold sites.
• No extra mulch needed in a sheltered cellar.

Assumes plants are already fully dormant before storage.