Diagnosing Winter Losses in Container-Grown Carnivorous Plants: Fungus, Pot Size, and Storage Conditions

Diagnosing Winter Losses in Container-Grown Carnivorous Plants: Fungus, Pot Size, and Storage Conditions

A Zone 6 grower lost all Sarracenia and flytraps stored in 3-inch pots in an unheated shed. Rhizomes were soft, tan, and slimy—classic fungus/rot.

Key Failures

• No pre-storage fungicide spray (sheds harbor spores).
• Leaves not trimmed—increased transpiration during freezes.
• 3-inch pots provided insufficient insulation against rapid temperature swings.
• Shared water trays spread pathogens.

Improved Protocol

• Spray sulfur fungicide regularly during dormancy.
• Trim leaves before storage; mulch heavily (4–6 inches).
• Use larger pots or, better, build an in-ground/above-ground bog garden (higher survival).
• Consider an insulated garage (40°F ideal) with vigilant fungus monitoring.

Join the Backyard Bogs forum for peer advice from growers in similar climates.

Good growing!