Expert: Christopher Littrell - 5/14/2009

Question
I live in an apt, and I had bought 6 sarracenias last
march, by summer, they were full and healthy, I had them in
a southwest windowsill. when it came to dormancy, I
couldn't really leave them outside as theres alot of pets
and children that have torn them up in the past, so I tried
something new I saw about on the internet, putting them in
the fridge. Is this Ok?. I brought them out and gave them
some time to thaw out and then planted them, half of them
the roots have turned brown, and I assumed died, and the
other half are slowly having leaves come out. What is the
best way to help them into dormancy, and then get them out
of dormancy and then plant them. Granted I live in
Washington and it's probably not the best place to grow
them, but I have seen some here in gardens that are huge
and very healthy. Did I do something wrong and what should
I do...........Thanks, Scott Clark...P.S. what is the best
kind to grow in my area?.

Answer
Hello Scott,

That is a good question. I myself have to keep my Sarracenias indoors as well and I place them in artificial dormancy by using an ice chest. The refrigerator method can work if the plants are kept moist and mold free, but the refrigeratror is a breeding ground for mold and can dry out the plants too easily. When I use an ice chest I simply freeze 4-8 20 ounce water bottles and place my plants pot and all in the ice chest with the frozen bottles around them. I replace the water bottles every 12 hours and close the chest by night. During the day, I open the chest to give the entire thing sunlight from a south facing window. This setup gives the plants light, which they will use to detect seasonal changes even if little growth occurs, and some ultraviolet light, for mold inhibiting, and air, also to help reduce mold. It does require more work on a daily basis, but the end result has always been satisfactory for me so far as keeping my juvenile Sarracenias, Adult Sarracenias, and Venus Flytraps alive for years thus far. Having the plants in an ice chest also keeps them moist due to condensation, so little chance of drying out.... I just keep a paper towel under the trayless pots. In spring I replace the trays and gradually warm them up as I give them more light until they begin growing normally again.

For Sarracenias I would suggest investing in a couple of 40 watt florescent shop lights to increase the light intensity they receive. Sarracenias really are full sun plants like roses and garden plants. Indoors, they are likely to be rather slow growing and weak if kept on just window or just florescent lighting alone. Both together can at least give them a fighting chance. I use 12000 lumens of florescent lights with a south facing window for mine and they are doing well.

Christopher