Time of year will
mean everything when considering how much your plant is or isn't growing. If
purchased in the spring near the end of dormancy, it should begin to grow as
soon as temperatures begin to warm. Growth will be strong and steady through
mid summer and then some species will begin to slow down.
If a plant is purchased in mid-late summer, it may not grow much more before
it's dormant period. Plants purchased during dormancy will typically have leaves trimmed,
and will appear as a healthy rooted bulb or rhizome. Failure to observe dormancy
for plants that require it will eventually kill them, this is the leading cause
of venus flytrap death in captivity.
Also, venus flytrap
plants purchased mid growing season will probably do best in a bright window
or a well lit terrarium for the remainder of that growing season even if you
live in a humid (50%+) climate where they can be kept outdoors. Outdoor sun
during re-acclimation can burn the leaves, although it may not kill the plant.
If you do plan to keep them outdoors, introduce them to full sun slowly, over
the course of 2 weeks or so.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Is my plant happy?
If your plant appears
to be struggling, there are a few things to consider. Most concerns can be addressed
by increasing humidity, which is a crucial element in raising carnivorous
plants. Some growers will mist their plants daily. If your plant is not in a terrarium, perhaps
conditions are just too dry. Strong light is also essential.
While these plants will grow for you, they may need to acclimate to your growing
conditions so ask yourself if the plant has had time to adjust. Adjustment problems are common when transporting exotic plants between different
growing zones. Also, please read the "General Information" link to the left for additional suggestions.
Please contact us at mwcp@worldcaravan.com if you have any problems that have not been covered.
