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1. Pure Water Only
Use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Standard tap water is full of minerals that will burn their sensitive roots and kill the plant. Keep the pot sitting in a shallow tray filled with 1–2 inches of water.
Pure water only.
PILLAR 01 // HYDRATION
BOG & BLOOM BOTANICAL NURSERY
RULES OF THE BOG // WATER
Rainwater or distilled. Zero tap minerals.
Carnivorous plants live in nutrient-poor bogs. Mineral salts and chlorine in standard tap water will burn their sensitive roots.
- ➔Use distilled water, reverse osmosis, or rain collectors
- ➔Never use tap water or standard charcoal filtered water (Brita)
- ➔Keep pots standing in a constant tray of 1–2 inches of water
Botanical Care
The art of keeping wild plants thriving.
Carnivorous plants are not difficult; they are simply different. By matching their natural bog conditions—mineral-free water, intense sun, and seasonal rest—you can keep them thriving for years.
The Basics
Three rules. No exceptions.
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2. Maximum Sun
These are sun-worshippers. They want 6+ hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Outdoors on a patio or deck is best. If growing indoors, you must use a strong LED grow light positioned 6–10 inches above the plant.
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3. Zero Fertilizer
Never use standard potting soil or fertilizer. It will instantly burn their roots. Grow them in a mix of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite. They catch their own food; bugs are their fertilizer.
Winter Rest
Interactive Dormancy Guide
Venus Flytraps and Sarracenia Pitcher Plants require a 3–4 month winter rest (dormancy) to survive long-term. Select your winter climate below to get your custom dormancy protocol.
Recommended Method
🏡 Unheated Garage or Cold Frame
Best for USDA Zones 6–7 (Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, parts of the Midwest)
1
Leave plants outdoors through the first few light frosts in October/November.
2
In late November, move the pots into an unheated garage, shed, or a cold frame.
3
The plants need the cold (below 50°F) but must be protected from freezing winter winds that dry out the soil.
4
Since they are sleeping, they do not need sunlight. Check them once a week to ensure the soil remains damp.
5
Move them back outdoors into full sun in March.
Annual Cycle
The Dormancy Timeline
A visual roadmap of how temperate carnivorous plants transition through the seasons.
Autumn (Oct - Nov)
Slowing Down
Daylight shortens. Traps turn black and die off, and pitchers stop producing nectar. This is the plant preparing to sleep. Do not worry—it is completely healthy.
💡 Action:Clip off dead black leaves. Reduce watering so soil is damp but not flooded.
Winter (Nov - Feb)
Deep Dormancy
The plant is in a deep sleep. Growth stops entirely. The rhizome (bulb) under the soil is storing energy for the spring.
💡 Action:Keep the plant cold (35°F to 50°F). Check weekly to make sure the soil never dries out.
Spring (Feb - Mar)
The Wake Up
Temperatures rise and days lengthen. The plant wakes up and will often send up a flower stalk followed by rapid trap growth.
💡 Action:Increase watering, return pots to full sun, and trim any remaining winter-damaged leaves.
Summer (Apr - Sep)
Active Hunting
Peak growing season. Traps are fully active, colorful, and catching insects. Growth is rapid.
💡 Action:Keep the pot sitting in a tray of 1-2 inches of pure water. Provide maximum direct sunlight.
First 7 days
Shipping Recovery Protocol
Plants traveling in dark boxes need a gentle transition to adjust to their new home.
- Unbox Immediately: Open the package as soon as it arrives. Gently remove the protective wrapping.
- Hydrate: Place the pot in a shallow tray filled with 1 inch of distilled or rainwater.
- Acclimate: Give the plant bright, indirect light for the first 2-3 days. Avoid placing it in intense, direct afternoon sun immediately to prevent sunburn.
- Do Not Repot: Let the plant settle in for at least 3-4 weeks before considering repotting. Shipping is stressful; a repot right away can cause shock.