Question
Hi expert,
I just realized a friend has a Judith Hindle she bought at some store.  She didn't know it was carnivorous and has had it in her house for the past few months.  It's in a south facing window.  We live in the northwest, Portland area.  Is it to late to place the plant outdoors for the winter?  Will the temperature change shock it to death(current low temp ave 45)?  Will it survive through the winter indoors one season if she transfers it outside in the spring?
Thanks,
Carol

Answer
Hi Carol,

I've seen those plants in the stores, and unfortunately many of them looked very week and unhealthy.  Moreover, because your friend had it growing indoors, I wouldn't recommend placing them outdoors.  Winter dormancy is reserved only for those plants that were growing in full sun during the growing season.  Plants that are grown in poor lighting and then allowed to go dormant usually don't make it through the winter.  They simply don't have enough starch reserves.  

For now, your friend should grow the plant in a sunny south window.  In spring, after the risk of frost has passed, she can acclimate it to outdoor growing.  It'll be fine skipping winter dormancy for a year.

For more information about growing Sarracenia pitcher plants, pass along our care sheet to your friend:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin