💬 You don’t have to press pause on your collection just because it’s cold out!
While some carnivorous plants (like Venus flytraps and trumpet pitchers) go dormant in winter, there are plenty of others that keep growing—especially those from subtropical and tropical regions.
In fact, winter is one of the best times to start or expand your collection… if you pick the right plants.
🌱 So what can I grow in winter?
Here are just a few of the cold-weather champions you’ll find in our new Winter Growing Hub:
- Subtropical Sundews – Like Drosera capensis, aliciae, spatulata and more. These sticky bug catchers don’t go dormant and most subtropical types are beginner-friendly.
- Tropical Sundews – Like Drosera adelae and prolifera. Petiolaris complex sundews also thrive in warm terrarium conditions and can grow indoors year-round.
- Mexican Butterworts (Pinguicula) – Most still grow slowly through winter or shift into compact rosettes. Great for windowsills or terrariums year round
- Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes) – All our plants are fully acclimatised to South African conditions. Many thrive indoors on bright windowsills or in terrariums year-round. Keep them warm and bright, and they’ll happily pitcher through winter.
- Bladderworts (Utricularia) – These underrated little carnivores love humidity and many species actively grow and flower in winter. Ideal for terrariums and paludariums.
- Albany Pitcher Plants (Cephalotus) – Compact and quirky! These pitchers may shrink slightly in winter but still hold interest with their non-carnivorous leaves.
- Sun Pitchers (Heliamphora) – Highland species that enjoy cool temps and bright light. Some keep their pitchers right through winter under the right conditions.
- Rainbow Plants (Byblis) – Grown in controlled setups, these sparkle year-round when kept warm and bright indoors.
- Carnivorous Bromeliads (Brocchinia, Catopsis) – Slow but steady growers in warm terrarium conditions.
- Miniature Orchids & Terrarium Companions – While not carnivorous, they’re great for building up your setup while other plants are resting.
- Cultivo’s Bug-Munching MINI Range™ – Grown under lights for the first 2-3 years. Many stay attractive throughout winter. Outdoor varieties can be acclimatised for their first dormancy from the following year.
🌿 Growing Tip: Many of these plants thrive in terrariums or on sunny windowsills. For even better growth during winter, add a full-spectrum LED grow bulb to extend the daylight period and keep your plants happy and actively growing.
Do they really grow in winter?
Yes! Most of these carnivorous plants come from climates where winter is mild or doesn’t exist—so as long as you give them light, humidity and warmth, they’ll keep on growing while the rest of your garden enjoys their wintery beauty sleep
Is it just plants, or do you stock other winter stuff too?
There’s more! Our Winter Growing Hub also includes:
- Seeds you can sow now - or year-round in a controlled environment. Many seeds are naturally stratified in winter — that’s what we mean by "sow now." But if you’re growing indoors, you can sow any time of year
- Species-specific soils for easy potting and great growth
- Consultations and care services if you’re not sure where to start or need a helping hand along the way
Everything’s curated to help you grow confidently through winter.
Where do I find it?
Right here: Browse the Winter Growing Hub and discover what’s possible - even in the coldest months in South Africa
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