Categories: Pitcher Plant Care
Tags: Sarracenia, Dormancy, Care
Cold dormancy is a period of rest for most temperate zone perennial plants. It is a time for hibernating and conserving energy when plants break down and remake nutrients to be used in the spring. Dormancy is triggered by a shortened day length, cold temperatures, and conditioning from previous seasonal cycles.
Sarracenias absolutely require a cold dormant period with exposure to below 45 degrees F for the duration of fall and winter. At this time, summer pitcher leaves die back and can be cut back close to the rhizome. Winter foliage is produced in the form of small pitchers, or phyllodia (fleshy flat blades), and can be quite colorful.
Dormancy care for Sarracenias is the same as during the growing season. Keep the plant wet in outdoor sunshine. The water in the pitcher tub will freeze, helping to insulate the root zone. Sarracenias will tolerate temperatures down to 5 degrees F for brief periods. Extreme cold and windy conditions will require protection with leaves or pine needles. Late dormancy into early spring is the best time to re-pot and divide pitcher plants. With a proper dormancy, plants will awake in the spring to provide another awesome display of fresh pitchers and flowers.
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