FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Artchic528 wrote:I live in Charlotte, NC and since it's in the same hardiness zone (not to mention the same state) that the vtf and sarr grows in naturally, I can leave them out year round, right?

I just worry about them being in pots and freezing solid as opposed to the ground which does not. I had a sarrcinia in a planter and it did fine being outside year round. Guess I just want to have all bases covered for the vtf as well as I am bound to keep it alive this time through.

I live in Charlotte also. My plants are currently on my porch in an Ikea tabletop greenhouse

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This is Meg (named for being a megatraps trap and also for her big red traps' resemblance to Meg Ryan). Got her from FTS around Christmas and almost killed her 2 weeks ago when the strong Denver sun caused the temp inside the window to skyrocket and dry out her moss. Now she appears to be growing a flower stalk. Have I failed at dormancy? If it helps, below are my other traps, kept in the exact same conditions (but their moss never dried out).

Orit wrote:Now she appears to be growing a flower stalk. Have I failed at dormancy?

No. Flytraps could start growing flower stalks as soon as the days start getting longer if they're growing somewhere that the night time lows aren't very cold. We've had a few flytraps in our windowsill through the winter and they've started growing flowerstalks too. Some started a long as a month ago.

What a relief! Thanks, Matt! I guess I'll wait for it to reach an inch or two before I cut it, and then hopefully I'll have lots of little Megs in the spring. For a "young" plant, I didn't think it would flower so soon! The plants you send never cease to amaze me.

Orit wrote:For a "young" plant, I didn't think it would flower so soon! The plants you send never cease to amaze me.

Thanks Orit! The plants we send generally are flowering size if they're anything larger than a starter. And even many of the "starter" sized plants we sell are flowering size.

My B52 is starting to come out of dormancy. I was a little worried but looks like mid February is normal, so it's not that early. I am so excited at these giant pink traps that are coming up!!! I got my plants just before or during dormancy and now I'll really get to enjoy them.

This is great, thanks!

Does anyone live in Central Florida that has successfully had a VFT go into dormancy living outside through the winter?

How would you guys suggest me put it into dormancy or should I just let it ride outside year around?

They should be just fine outside all year in central Florida and will go through their natural cycle on their own. The temps will be cool enough but they say the light cycle is the more important factor.

Just for fun, here's my newly-acquired Lunatic Fringe waking up (even throwing up a tiny flower stalk). I reaaallllly love this one. Its teeth are amazing. And this was just a starter plant!

Matt wrote:The plants we send generally are flowering size if they're anything larger than a starter. And even many of the "starter" sized plants we sell are flowering size.

Indeed. I received FTS Lunatic Fringe, FTS Maroon Monster, and FTS Flaming Lips about 5 weeks ago, all starter size, still dormant at the time. Here they are (in that order), the day I received them and now. They have been so much fun, and their growth and characteristics are amazing! I had to share.

All flower stalks are getting cut today. Fingers crossed I get some strikes! Many thanks, Matt and Leah! I am very thankful, but I know a handful of Colorado flies who don't like you very much.
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They look great, Orit! Thanks for the photos and update. Condolences to the Colorado flies

I live in Indiana, there is an upcoming night below 32, can I leave my Venuses outside? It's going to go back up to the 40s. My question is can they stay out there for the one night? I'm thinking they should be OK, it might even help them go dormant.

They can stand short freezes, they should be alright. Mine got frost last night. You can cover them with a towel or something and remove it in the morning if you want.

OK, thanks. I was thinking one night shouldn't hurt them. I will use a towel to help protect them.

Hey guys, I'm new to this, and I'm not getting a lot of responses to my post so I'm hoping i'll have better luck here. I got my first VFT as a present and I'm really worried about dormancy. I can't leave the pant outside because it gets way too cold where I live. I live in an apartment with North-West facing windows, so it wouldn't get much direct light (if any) if I put it there, but it's the only cool enough place to put it. Will it be ok by this window? I have an artifical light and currently I'm trying to reduce the amount of light it gets so that I can just leave it by the window. Please let me know if any of you have any suggestions.