Three Methods for Overwintering Temperate Carnivorous Plants in Cold Climates

An Iowa (zone 5) grower with pitcher plants and flytraps in outdoor bowls asked for specific overwintering instructions.

Method 1: Heavy Outdoor Mulch

• Clip leaves >4 inches to base.
• Spray sulfur fungicide generously.
• Cover pot and plant with 6–10 inches of aspen bedding, straw, wood chips, or pine needles.
• Secure mulch with netting; keep soil moist (pot in water tray).

Method 2: Unheated Garage + Mulch

Same as above, but in garage for extra wind/swing protection.

Method 3: Refrigerator (Bare-Root)

• Unpot, rinse soil, clip all leaves.
• Spray roots/rhizome with sulfur fungicide.
• Wrap in Consan 20-soaked sphagnum moss (damp, not dripping).
• Bag in zip-lock; place in fridge bin.
• Check periodically for mold; treat immediately.
• After ~3 months, repot in fresh soil.

Critical Timing

Initiate after dormancy (daytime 40s°F, nights freezing).