💬 One of the most common worries I hear in South Africa is: “My house is warm - will my carnivorous plant still go dormant?” Let’s clear this up.
Short Answer
Not all carnivorous plants need dormancy. For those that do, it’s not just about the cold - shorter daylight hours are what trigger it. Even indoors in South Africa, seasonal changes will signal to your plant when to rest and when to wake up again.
Longer Explanation
Plants like Venus flytraps, most Butterworts, some Sundews and Sarracenia pitcher plants naturally go dormant in winter. This is their way of saving energy before bursting back to life in spring. While many people assume warmth prevents dormancy, the truth is that day length matters more than temperature. As days shorten in South Africa’s winter, your plant recognises the change and slows down, even if your home stays cosy.
Some other carnivorous plants - like tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes) and sub-tropical sundews - don’t need dormancy at all. Knowing which type you have is the key to giving it the right care.
Growing Tip
Grow your plant where it should naturally be - in a spot with natural light. Don’t stress about keeping the house warm or cold. If your species needs dormancy, it will handle the rest on its own. If it doesn’t, it will keep right on growing.
👉 Not sure whether your plant needs dormancy? That’s exactly what I cover in my Consultations - helping South African growers understand their species and set up the right care routine.
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