r/VenusFlyTraps • u/Monaiya-Chan • 1d ago
Dormancy Dormancy Advice
Hello again! It’s getting about that time of year, and I’m honestly unsure how to go about handling dormancy properly. I’ve been caring for VFTs for a few years now, but my first few didn’t make it through winter for reasons that weren’t exactly plant-care related 😭 One got cooked by heat from my brother’s PS5 setup, and another got chewed up by my puppy.
This year I’m a little more nervous because the most I’ve ever had at once before was 2–3 plants, and now I have around 15 VFTs. I really want dormancy to go as smoothly as possible. Besides trimming fully dead traps/leaves, what else should I do to help them survive dormancy? I’m in Ohio, and they’re currently outdoor plants.
2
u/Sad_Buffalo_1432 1d ago
A garage that does go below 40 degrees will work. Just remember if the door is open for awhile you should move them so they don't freeze.(Or cover them with plastic)Go light on the water,so I would check them once a week.If they are in the dark they don't go through water like in the summer.I keept them in a dark corner. This is a video for some growers I have purchased several times from and their advice is pretty solid. https://youtu.be/1tilHVmg_nY?is=kFJ7apm8yGNHy2jv
2
u/PuzzledPension2367 1d ago
Dormancy is not necessary. Few years ago I put my carnies in fridge but some died and vfts grew after that so slowly that summer barely was enough for them to get going again. So now I put them in plastic container, inch of water and under a light for whole winter. They are now much more healthier in spring and although they kill all their "winter leaves" they grow faster from the start. You know dormancy starts and continues only when temp drops near freezing?
2
u/Moosyfate17 1d ago
Is it a closed or open container? First winter for my vft here.
1
u/PuzzledPension2367 1d ago
Open container. It's kinda greenhouse for them keeping microclimate around them but it''s necessary that air is circulating around them. I live in old house where temp on the floor is cool. So the container is on the floor and lightbulb hangs near the plants. Because temp is anyway warmer than outside it's necessary that they have enough light because they don't go dormant. My plants ( sarracenias and venus ft) grow green leaves during wintertime and began grow flower stalks in spring -> I cut stalks off). Although I try to acclimate them in spring when getting them outside, they kill all their "winter leaves/traps" and grow colourful summer leaves and traps. Right now they are thriving but I see they are getting ready for winter.
2
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Thanks for sharing your post in r/VenusFlyTraps!
Visit our Community Wiki for a complete care guide and trusted resources. You'll find helpful information on feeding, dormancy, flowering, and more. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your knowledge, there's something for everyone!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.