FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Hey all,

Still going through my first dormancy, and somehow my VFTs and Sarracenia are still alive despite freezing that one time! I just had a few questions I was wondering about when it comes to watering these plants during dormancy.

I know I just have to keep them kind of moist and not ultra wet or damp so they don't rot or get moldy, but what's generally the best way to get to this level?

When top watering, I've heard some people say don't let the water touch the rhizome, is that important? Is the VFT prone to rotting if the rhizome gets wet? Also, if top watering, do you just do the regular watering method of pouring water in until it starts coming out the holes in the bottom?

I was just thinking about tray watering since it seems a lot easier. I was planning on just putting them in a tray of water for a day then just taking them out when the pot got heavy.

I use trays, but my strays aren't very deep. Every 1-2 weeks (whenever the soil feels barely moist, JUST NOT COMPLETELY DRY!) I pour some water in the trays. I haven't had any problems so far.

I leave mine out all year round, but without trays or saucers under them. Raining or being wet for a while in winter, rarely hurts them, imagine what would happen in the wild if it rained whilst being cold. The answer is normally very little, if you have good ventilation and they are not submerged by a third to two-thirds in water they will be OK.
Cheers
Steve

Here in CA, it rains during the winter. Unfortunately this year has had very little.