Winter Dormancy in Carnivorous Plants – South Africa Care Guide
In South Africa, many carnivorous plants—like Venus flytraps, trumpet pitchers, purple pitchers, sundews and butterworts—naturally enter winter dormancy between April and September. This seasonal rest is normal and necessary for their health. In this guide, we’ll explain how dormancy works, what to expect and how to care for your carnivorous plants in winter to ensure strong regrowth in spring.
🌿 What Is Winter Dormancy in Carnivorous Plants?
The carnivorous plant world includes many species and varieties—some need a winter rest period to store energy for the growing season. Luckily, South Africa has distinct seasons, and plants grown in natural light will instinctively know when to go dormant and when to wake up.
�� Venus Flytrap Winter Dormancy (South Africa)
- In autumn, shorter daylight hours and lower temperatures trigger dormancy in Venus flytraps.
- They stop producing large traps and store energy in their underground bulb (rhizome).
- Leaves die back, and the plant appears smaller, producing only ground-hugging traps.
- From May to September, growth slows drastically—this is completely normal.
- New growth starts emerging in spring (September–October), with full activity by November.
🎷 Sarracenia Winter Dormancy Guide (Trumpet, Purple & Parrot Pitchers)
- These pitcher plants die back in autumn as their tall pitchers dry from the lid down.
- Some trumpet pitcher plant species like Sarracenia leucophylla and their hybrids produce flat phyllodia leaves for photosynthesis during dormancy.
- Repotting and trimming is best done in winter—growth resumes by spring.
- Oreophila and Flava types go dormant first and wake up first; Leucophylla types are slower.
🌴 Nepenthes: Tropical Pitcher Plants in Winter (SA Care)
- Growth slows down significantly during winter, especially in natural conditions.
- Old pitchers will wither; new pitchers form only on fresh leaves in spring.
- These tropical plants should be protected from cold—bring them indoors if needed.
- In artificial light, they may grow year-round.
✨ Sundew Winter Care – Temperate vs Subtropical Varieties
- Temperate sundews (e.g. Drosera binata) form a winter bud (hibernacula).
- They have no visible growth above ground in winter and must be kept cool but frost-free.
- New growth begins in spring from the hibernacula.
- Subtropical sundews like Drosera Capensis often keep growing in winter and may even do better in cooler temps.
🧈 Butterwort Winter Dormancy – Mexican & Temperate Species
- Temperate butterworts like Pinguicula grandiflora form hibernacula with no above-ground growth.
- Mexican butterworts shrink down into a tiny, succulent rosette with non-carnivorous leaves.
- Most species flower in late winter and regrow larger carnivorous leaves by October–November.
- Water sparingly during the dormant phase to avoid rot—especially for temperate butterworts (hibernacula) and P. gigantea.
🧬 Cephalotus – Albany Pitcher Plant Dormancy
- Albany pitcher plants may produce only tiny pitchers in winter.
- Non-carnivorous leaves come first in spring; larger pitchers follow in summer.
💧 Bladderworts in Winter – What to Expect
- Only foliage remains visible in winter for terrestrial bladderworts.
- Flowers appear during warmer months when the plant becomes more active.
🚚 Buying Carnivorous Plants in Winter – South Africa Tips
- From April to Early october, temperate plants are sold as trimmed dormant rhizomes or resting winter bulbs with tiny traps
- Plant images are always of our own plants unless otherwise mentioned and show them in full summer growth—check seasonal availability details for the plant's current state.
- Dormant plants ship well and settle faster with less transplant shock.
- Repot into fresh carnivorous plant soil near the end of dormancy around Auguest for best results.
- Our online store is open 24/7 and we ship plants nationwide, you may also opt to collect from Strawberry Pot in Centurion.
Need help? Email us or send a WhatsApp before ordering—we’re here to help!