Hardy carnivorous plants are rarely found in the local latitudes, because most plants are sensitive to frost. They are usually to be overwintered at moderate temperatures. Our list of suitable carnivorous plants shows which varieties can remain outdoors even during the cold season.
Table of Contents
pitcher plant
The so-called pitcher plant is also known as Sarracenia in botanical jargon and can be hardy depending on the species. However, in addition to the variety, you also have to consider a few other factors. These are:
- Type of planting or culture
- Region and temperatures in winter
- protection
If the Sarracenia is cultivated in a pot or tub, it should always be overwintered frost-free. Because in these cases it is usually not enough to protect the planter. The root ball would still freeze through, resulting in considerable damage or even death of the plant. Even very young plants are not winter hardy.
Therefore, only plants that are at least three years old and strong and that have been planted outdoors should be overwintered outdoors. Even then, however, appropriate additional protection should be in place. Applying brushwood or mulch around the plant can help prevent the roots from freezing through. However, the above-ground part of the plant will usually die, even if it is a comparatively hardy species. The particularly hardy varieties of Sarracenia include:
- Flava
- Oreophila
- Psittacina
- Purpurea
sundew
Sundew is one of the best-known carnivorous plants. The species also includes some hardy varieties. These are the native varieties that have adapted to the local conditions in the course of their development.
The above-ground part dies off first and a so-called hibernacle forms. The hibernacle is a hibernation organ that allows better adaptation to winter temperatures and light conditions. Especially when hibernating outdoors, you have to reckon with the fact that the visible parts of the native species will also change significantly. In any case, additional protection on the substrate is advisable in order to protect the plants in the bog bed from extreme temperatures.
Winter-hardy, carnivorous and therefore suitable for outdoor variants are:
Drosera
- english
- capensis
- intermediate
- rotundifolia
Butterwort
Butterwort , common butterwort or Pinguicula vulgaris is a hardy, carnivorous plant and is therefore wonderfully suited to outdoor cultivation. However, even with this resilient plant, it should be noted that planting outdoors and sufficient substrate are just as important as minor protection.
A layer of mulch, straw or garden fleece should therefore be placed on the soil to prevent the substrate from freezing completely.
care in winter
Whether you choose butterwort, sundew or a pitcher plant, you have to pay attention to a few points even with hardy plants in order to ensure a successful overwintering. These are:
- Don’t forget to water: Although the plants do not grow in winter, they still need sufficient liquid. Waterlogging should be avoided. However, drying out the soil is also harmful to the plant. Therefore, in years with very little precipitation, you should check the moisture content of the soil on frost-free days and, if necessary, water it sparingly. When creating the bog bed, care must also be taken to ensure that sufficient drainage is provided to prevent water from accumulating.
- Provide protection: Even hardy variants of the carnivorous plants benefit from the appropriate protection during the winter. Covering the substrate with insulating materials is therefore recommended for all carnivorous plants.
- Note changes: whether the plant is overwintered indoors or outdoors, regular checks are important. Signs of mold or rot should always be taken seriously and prompt action to be taken. If the substrate infested with spores is not changed or sterilized, this can lead to the death of the entire plant.
