How to Winter Venus Flytraps in the Refrigerator

Many growers overwinter Venus flytraps in the refrigserator.

The Dionaea muscipula, or Venus flytrap, is a somewhat delicate carnivorous plant. Its care differs from the care given to many other potted plants. Not only do Venus flytraps have specific soil, sunlights and watering requirements, but they also enter a special form of dormancy in autumn, beginning around October. During this dormant period, they may need some assistance to survive. Although Venus flytraps can handle very cold temperatures during this stage, especially harsh winters can damage or destroy the plant. The preferred method among many growers is wintering the Venus flytrap plant in the refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Long-fibered sphagnum moss (optional)
• Plastic container with lid
• Scissors
• Fungicide spray

Instructions

1. Remove the Venus flytrap from its soil. Rinse the roots as thoroughly as possible to remove any media that might promote fungus or mold. You can use tap water for this rinsing -- it won't be toxic to the plant because the minerals and salts in the water won't be accumulating in the soil medium.

2. Soak the long-fibered sphagnum moss in distilled water if you plan to use it as an accompanying agent for the flytrap. Wring out the moss thoroughly, leaving it damp, but not dripping. Put a thin layer of moss in the bottom of the plastic container.

3. Trim any dead traps off the plant. Snip off any black or brown traps and leaves with scissors to prevent further decay and contamination of other traps. Cut as close to the base as possible to remove any undigested foods in the stem and leaf area.

4. Place the flytrap plants gently into the container. If you are using the moss liner, place the plants so they are sitting on top of the moss, not engulfed in it. Venus flytraps are fairly lightweight and can be stacked on top of each other without crushing the bottom ones.

5. Apply a fungicide spray to every part of the plant, top to bottom. Since there is little, if any, air movement in the plastic container, molds will grow very quickly if the fungicide is not applied correctly.

6. Cover the container. Place it in the refrigerator in an out-of-the-way spot, preferably in a crisper or produce drawer.

7. Uncover the plant and check it for mold every few days. Apply a new coat of fungicide, then cover the plant and put it back in the refrigerator.

8. Remove the plant from the refrigerator in spring. Soak the roots in water for about 10 minutes. Trim off dead leaves and traps, then plant the Venus flytrap in fresh soil.

Tips & Warnings

• An alternative to a plastic container is a zipper-top bag. If it is airtight and fairly small, it should work just fine.

• Spray the fungicide outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Fly Trap Care: Venus Fly Trap Dormancy in the Fridge