Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 3/27/2011

Question
Hey guys, I'm growing a Flava and some fly traps in AZ. At what temp. do you recommend that I start shielding the pots from the sun. I remember your videos where you showed the temps well into the 90s which we are already there during the day. Thanks.
Jason

Answer
Hi Jason,

It depends on the size and type of pot you're using and your growing technique. In general, you should protect your potted plants whenever the day temperature goes over 100°F for an extended period of time (3 days or more, with nighttime temperatures staying above 70°F), and definitely when the temperature reaches 110°.  However, we've had customers keep their Sarracenia outdoors in Utah and AZ, in the blazing sun all summer long.  They had success because of their particular growing methods.  Flytraps and sundews tend to be a bit more sensitive to the harsh environment.

There are techniques to protect your plants and keep the soil cool when growing plants in a desert climate, and we outline them in Volume 1 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin