Expert: Christopher Littrell - 9/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: I reside in NYS (Long Island) which during the winter stays well below freezing and I was considering placing my pitcher plants in the unfinished/cold basement for their winter dormancy. My concern is regarding the limited light available in the basement. They would be located near/below two small basement casement windows (corner of basement) however the amount of light would still be limited. Do you think this is a viable option? Thanks for any help you can provide. Ken

ANSWER: Hello Kenneth,

By pitcher plants that need dormancy, I am assuming you mean Sarracenias or Darlingtonias,
not tropical varieties.

Sarracenias will be fine in limited light during dormancy. It is before and after Winter, when light levels and heat levels change, that Sarracenias become photoreceptive and need direct sun to time their flowering and growth cycles. During the Fall, as light length dimishes, Sarracenias and Darlingtonias slow down in growth and enter dormancy where they will eventually become less responsive to light levels as their cells basically go to sleep. They could even be kept in lightless conditions for several months until Winter abates. When warmth returns, their cells will begin to "wake up" and will require light to jump start them before they run out of energy and die off. Make sure the plants remain in less than 50 degree temperatures during dormancy to ensure that they do not inadvertently "wake up." You could certainly keep them in a limited light basement, just be mindful of mold and accidental warming. A little light from windows will be beneficial in lessening mold and keeping the plants in such light can help them time their dormancy cycles with what light is available. As days lengthen and light levels become stronger with warmer temperatures, place the plants outside and let them "wake up" naturally.

Christopher

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Christopher,
Thank you for the very helpful reply! My final question, approximately what would be the best date to move the pitcher plants in the basement for their dormancy period?  Thank you again.  Ken

Answer
Hello Kenneth,

Virtually anytime around October to November would be fine. 3-4 months of winter dormancy is usually about right for Sarracenias, North American Drosera and Dionaea. I usually begin dormancy cues around mid-October and have full dormancy by mid-November. I keep the plants in that state until after February and begin slowly bringing them out of dormancy with warmer temperatures and more light over several weeks until they are growing normally again by mid to late March. In your case, just wait for the weather to cool down to 40-50 degrees and watch for slowed growth and dying off of most of the older leaves. Shorter days will reduce the growth speed and cold weather will eventually cause them to go dormant. When you note such slowing of growth, move them to the basement and winter them in the window you have picked out. Just make sure the temperatures near the window do not cause freezing. You might wrap blankets or newspapers around the pots to insulate them some if you think the cold through the window would be too harsh on the roots. If the temperature is consistently around 40 near the window all winter, it would be about perfect.

Christopher