Did you know Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) go through dormancy? Yes, much like black bears and desert tortoises, Venus Flytraps “hibernate” for the winter. However, Venus fly trap hibernation is a much different process than mammals and reptiles — and isn’t exactly mandatory (just highly recommended).
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Venus Fly Trap dormancy period, from how long it lasts to watering requirements.
As a fellow carnivorous plant parent who has been through dormancy before, I’m sharing what I’ve learned to ensure your Venus flytrap(s) continues to thrive year-round.
Venus fly traps are incredible carnivorous plants that have the ability to trap and digest insects. Their unique trapping mechanism allows them to supplement nutrients they can’t get from the poor soil where they grow natively. But in order to thrive Venus fly traps need a period of winter dormancy every year just like some animals hibernate. This dormant period allows the plant to conserve energy and come back strong in the spring.
What is Venus Fly Trap Dormancy?
Dormancy is a period of reduced growth and metabolic activity that helps Venus fly traps survive cold winter temperatures and preserve energy. In their natural habitat in North and South Carolina Venus fly traps go dormant when day length shortens and temperatures drop below 55°F. This dormancy period lasts for 3-5 months in winter.
During dormancy, the traps stop actively moving to consume insects. Growth slows down, leaves and traps turn black and die, but the rhizomes and roots remain alive underground. This is a normal adaptation that allows the plant to survive extreme conditions and revive in spring. Dormancy acts as a “reset button” for the plant.
Do Indoor Venus Fly Traps Need Dormancy?
Venus fly traps evolved to go dormant each winter, so dormancy is essential for their long-term health and vigor even when grown indoors. Without a yearly dormancy period, indoor Venus fly traps will weaken, grow small, stop flowering and producing seeds, and eventually die after a few years.
Dormancy allows the plant to:
- Conserve energy
- Reset vegetative growth
- Increase insect trapping efficiency in spring
- Trigger flowering and reproduction
So indoor Venus fly traps definitely need a simulated winter dormancy to live a full life span, which can reach 15-20 years or more with proper seasonal care.
How to Induce Dormancy Indoors
Recreating dormancy indoors is crucial for Venus fly trap health. Here are some ways to successfully induce dormancy:
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Lower temperatures – Keep plants at 55-65°F for 6-8 weeks minimum by placing them in a cool basement, unheated porch, or windowsill during winter.
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Reduce light – Cut back on artificial lighting to 8-10 hours daily, or provide only low indoor ambient light.
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Limit water – Water just enough to keep soil slightly moist but not soggy wet.
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Withhold feeding – Do not actively feed the traps, but it’s fine if they catch an insect.
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Trim dead leaves – Remove any blackened, collapsed traps to prevent rotting.
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Repot – Repot in fresh soil after dormancy before new spring growth begins.
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Track dormancy duration – Ideally dormancy should last 12-16 weeks indoors, tracking dates helps prevent prematurely ending it.
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Gradually increase light/warmth – Slowly transition plants back to spring/summer care to avoid shock.
With the right indoor conditions, Venus fly traps can successfully complete a healthy dormancy rest period and reawaken vigorous and strong.
Dormancy Methods for Indoor Venus Fly Traps
There are a few different methods that can be used to induce dormancy for indoor Venus fly traps in areas without winter chilling.
Natural Cool Exposure
Placing pots outdoors or in an unheated garage, enclosed porch, or basement are good options for cool exposure if daytime highs stay above 55°F and night lows reach 40-50°F. A bright windowsill also works if temps are cool enough. Just monitor soil moisture closely in these spots.
Refrigeration
For warmer climates, refrigerator dormancy for 12-16 weeks is recommended. This involves placing the entire pot in a plastic bag in the fridge, or unpotting the plant and refrigerating bare root. Careful moisture monitoring and sanitation is key to prevent rot.
Temperature Reduction
Dropping temperatures to 50-55°F in a spare room or enclosure with a space heater and cooling fan can also induce dormancy. Use a thermometer to track temps and adjust as needed.
Light Deprivation
Simply covering plants to block light exposure combined with cooler 65-70°F temps can also initiate dormancy in some cases. But temperature reduction is still recommended for best results.
Forced Summer Dormancy
When refrigeration isn’t available, a forced summer dormancy by completely removing soil and all roots can work as a last resort. But this is very stressful for the plant. Winter dormancy is strongly preferred.
Signs of Venus Fly Trap Dormancy
Here are some clues that indicate a Venus fly trap is entering or in dormancy:
- Slowed or stopped growth
- Leaves drooping and turning black
- Loss of green foliage and traps
- Traps remain closed
- Lighter green color
- Roots and rhizome remain firm and white
- Minimal water needs
- Lack of active movement
As long as the rhizome stays healthy, the plant will revive from dormancy in spring. Distinguishing dormancy from death can be tricky, so when in doubt just continue care and see if new growth appears.
Exiting Dormancy
Warming temperatures and increased day length in late winter will naturally break dormancy. To transition a Venus fly trap out of indoor dormancy, gradually increase light exposure over 2-3 weeks, raise temperatures back to 70-80°F, and resume normal watering. Soon new leaves and traps will begin emerging as it exits dormancy. Repotting just before new growth starts is recommended.
Final Tips
Ensuring Venus fly traps get the required winter dormancy they have evolved for is crucial, but it can certainly be done successfully indoors. Consistency is key – be sure to induce dormancy every winter, as skipping years weakens plants. With the right indoor conditions for dormancy, Venus fly traps will continue to thrive year after year.
Signs of Dormancy in Venus Flytraps
Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow early spring.
It’s always a little sad to see your flytrap turning black, but just know this process is essential to their long-term health.
Is your Venus flytrap dormant? Here’s how to tell:
- Existing traps may turn black and fall off (clip them off when they turn black)
- The plant may start to look droopy, wilted, and lose its bright green color
- The growth rate of the plant may slow down significantly
- You may notice new growth closer to the potting soil than normal
When Do Venus Fly Traps Go Dormant?
Venus fly trap dormancy typically occurs during the winter months, from late November to early March. However, the exact timing may vary depending on your location and climate.
Keep in mind that your plant should be dormant for a minimum of 10 weeks to reap the benefits, but they can stay dormant for up to five months.
While both cold temperatures and reduced daylight hours trigger dormancy, the biggest factor is reduced daylight.
10 Venus Flytrap Winter Dormancy Tips & Tricks – Fly Trap Dormancy Simplified – Winter Is Coming!
FAQ
How long can a Venus flytrap live indoors?
How Long Can Venus flytraps Live Indoors? Venus flytraps that are well cared for can live approximately 20 years. They must be allowed to go dormant each winter to keep them that long.
What happens if you don’t let Venus flytrap go dormant?
Venus flytraps can live for perhaps a few years without dormancy, but they will eventually start to decline and die.
How to bring a Venus flytrap out of dormancy?
Every couple days move it to where it gets a little more light, about an hour or so more. Do this for a couple of weeks until it is in full sun all day. Some leaves may die off but the new leaves emerging will be acclimated to the sun.