Successfully overwinter carnivorous plants

The lavish abundance of nature has produced some extraordinary plants. Carnivores are undoubtedly one of them. Granted, they don't always look impressive on the outside. But they are different from all other plants in one thing: They like meat! Are they ticking the same way in other things too? For example, when winter is approaching: do you need a digestive sleep? Or even a vegan diet?

Species and climatic origin

Carnivorous plants, also known as carnivores or insectivores, come in many types and varieties. They are not all directly related to each other, rather they are found within other plant orders. Their distribution also extends over several continents and touches different climatic zones. They also differ in their requirements for living conditions and care requirements.

When it comes to hibernation, a general statement is therefore not possible. Not all carnivorous plants need a winter dormant period and they vary widely in terms of hardiness. Therefore, clarify from which original area your carnivorous plant comes and to which genus it belongs. Their demands in the cold season are usually based on this. In case of doubt, they should rather be wintered protected from frost. The common species that are cultivated here are described in more detail below with regard to their winter requirements.

venus flytrap

She is the undisputed star among carnivores. Their catch leaves snap shut in a matter of seconds, and the insect is trapped. A spectacle that apparently fascinates many people, because the demand for it is great. Its home of origin is in the USA, in North and South Carolina and Florida, where it has different climatic conditions than in Northern and Central Europe. In its homeland it grows in the wild, here it is kept as a potted plant.

need for rest

The Venus flytrap is only partially hardy, so a longer rest period begins for them in the fall. You don't need to look at the calendar to see when it needs rest, the Venus flytrap itself gives clear signals.

• it forms very small leaves
• she does not open her leaves
• the inside of the leaves no longer turns red

If you notice these signs, it's time to give her a suitable winter quarters until April. The above-ground parts are cut off beforehand so that they cannot become moldy.

winter quarters

This carnivore makes certain demands on an optimal winter quarters. It should have the following properties:

• no large fluctuations in room temperature
• constant temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius
• very bright
• free from drafts

Suitable quarters could be:

• Basement rooms with large windows that let in plenty of light
• light-flooded attics
• unheated stairwells

winter care

Minimal basic care needs to be maintained during their dormant period. During this time it needs no fertilizer at all and only a little water. It can be watered moderately every two to three weeks. Waterlogging should never form. The coaster must be emptied promptly if water has collected in it.

Overwinter in the fridge

If no suitable winter quarters are available that meet all of the aforementioned conditions, the refrigerator remains the last alternative. You don't have to empty your fridge for this, a little space is enough.

1. Get the plant out of the pot.
2. Remove the leaves and traps.
3. Free the roots completely from the substrate.
4. Rinse the root ball with lukewarm water.
5. Moisten several layers of kitchen paper and wrap it around the root ball.
6. Then place the wrapped bale in a damp transparent bag.
7. Seal the bag with a ribbon.
8. Put the bag in the fridge.
9. The plant can leave its winter quarters in April.
10. Check the roots for rot and remove diseased parts.
11. Replant the Venus flytrap.

Hibernation outdoors

If your Venus Flytrap is growing right in the garden, you might consider wintering outdoors. It is important that the plant is not too young and has strong growth. However, it definitely needs winter protection and should be covered. But even the best protection is no guarantee of survival, especially in very cold winters.

pitcher plants

The pitcher plants, also called trumpet plants, also come from the USA. A popular variety is the red pitcher plant, it is considered robust and hardy. There are also other types of pitcher plants that are not or only partially hardy, such as the brown-red or white pitcher plant.

need for rest

In autumn the pitcher plants, botanically Sarracenia, begin their winter dormancy. Only young plants do not need a rest period for the first three years. Pitcher plants that are not hardy are cultivated in pots. They react sensitively to frost, because the root ball can freeze faster in the pot.

winter quarters and care

The ideal overwintering quarters for pitcher plants in pots is bright and also cold at 2 to 10 degrees. They do not need any fertilizer and you should also be stingy with water. The worst enemies in the winter quarters are mold and rot. Conditionally hardy varieties can withstand light frosts outdoors. If it gets too cold, they have to move to a sheltered winter quarters.

pitcher plants

Around 100 pitcher plant species grow in New Guinea, Malaysia and the Philippines. Nepenthes. We mainly use various hybrid varieties as houseplants. In winter they stop blooming and growing.

• Lowland pitcher plants need 20 to 30 degrees Celsius all year round, day and night
• Highland pitcher plants can stand at 10 to 16 degrees Celsius at night.
• need a lot of brightness
• hang up plant lamp in winter
• give no fertilizer
• less water requirement than in summer

water hoses

Waterskins catch their prey in hose-like traps, hence their name. South America and Australia are their main distribution area. There they are used to a hot climate and, during their growing season, to plenty of water.

Grassy Bladderwort (Utricularia graminifolia)

Outside of its ancestral homeland, it is mainly found in aquariums. This carnivorous plant can also overwinter well in it without special precautions or special care. As a marsh plant, on the other hand, it must be protected in winter because it is not hardy. The easiest way to do this is if she moves to an aquarium before the first frosts and spends the winter there. As soon as no more frost is to be expected, it can go back into the garden pond.

Common bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris)

This type of water hose floats freely in the garden pond. Thanks to good winter hardiness, the plant can overwinter directly in the pond. In the fall, she simply curls up into a ball and sinks to the bottom of the pond. After the hibernation, the plant simply unrolls itself again and sprout again. This is also called a gardener-friendly overwintering.

shot plants

They also come from far away, because Australia is their natural home. Although they do not hibernate, their maintenance needs are lower in winter than in summer.

• if the temperature outside falls below 10 degrees Celsius, they have to come in
• the winter location must be bright
• the water requirement is low

sundew

Species of this genus are numerous in number and native to South Africa, South America and Australia. There are both hardy and non-hardy varieties of Droserea.

Tempered Species

These species are hardy and also common in Europe. They grow in bog beds and outdoors. They need a hibernation, but they require little assistance from the owner to do so. The plant pulls them back and forms a so-called wintering bud. As soon as it is warm enough for her in spring, she will sprout again.

subtropical species

Subtropical sundew species are extremely easy to cultivate, which is why we often find this species as a houseplant. In their homeland, they have warm summers and cooler winters. In the summer they can therefore stand outside with us, but they have to hibernate at room temperature because our winter is far too cold for them.

• must overwinter frost-free
• Room temperature between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius
• Location with a lot of light
• no fertilizer and less water

Not all subtropical sundew species require a colder environment in winter. Some species can easily be overwintered at normal room temperature. These include the popular varieties Drosera aliciae and Drosera capensis. However, in the darker months of the year they need a plant lamp that gives them additional light. If they are too dark, their resistance drops and gray mold can be the undesirable result.

Tropical sundew

Tropical sundew species need warm temperatures, lots of light and direct sunlight all year round. An air humidity of min. 50 percent should already be. In order for them to thrive, they still need a break. They survive the winter best at 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. It can still be light. Only water with low-calcium water, a little less in winter.

pygmy sundew

A terrarium with high humidity is ideal for these miniature plants. It should get as much sun as possible. In winter, a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees Celsius is fine. During this time, it requires less water.

Learn more about carnivores