Expert: Christopher Littrell - 1/22/2008

Question
I have just been told that it will not be as wet as I thought. It will be wet, but only rain from one direction will be able to reach the hanging basket...

Do you have any info regarding S. Catesbaei, D. Filiformis (especially  D. Filiformis's dormancy) or D.Arcturi?

Answer
Hello Kath,

S. catesbaei is a Sarracenia hybrid that requires similar accommodations as any other Sarracenia.

D. filiformis is a North American sundew and D. arcturi is a New Zealand native.

All three have dormant periods during winter. All will respond to short day length and cold weather by slowing in growth and waiting until spring to resume growth again. All can take temperatures down to about freezing or lower, however; keep them from totally freezing solid if they are in pots as pots make bad insulation for their roots. In any case, just keep their soil barely moist through winter and leave them alone, only occasionally checking for mold or other infections, until spring comes around. If your temperatures do not drop below 40 for long, they will be fine outside or in a cold room or garage all winter. D. arcturi will die back to a tiny winter bud while D. filiformis will loose most of its leaves over winter. The Sarracenia will likely keep its leaves as it is the hardier plant in general. Cut back any brown leaves to keep mold off them over winter.

Look forward to new growth from them all in spring!

Christopher