Dormant or Dead? Understanding Your Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants are fascinating additions to any plant collection. Their unusual shapes, sticky leaves, and intriguing traps make them instant conversation starters. But like any plant, they go through life cycles, and sometimes it’s tricky to tell whether your plant is just resting… or if it’s beyond help.

The Mystery of Dormancy

Many carnivorous plants, including Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sundews, naturally enter a period of dormancy during the colder months. Dormancy is a survival strategy: your plant slows down its growth, conserves energy, and sometimes even loses some leaves.

Signs your carnivorous plant is dormant, not dead:

• Leaves appear brown, shriveled, or slightly withered.

• Growth seems paused.

• New growth may be minimal or temporarily absent.

It might be tempting to worry when you see these signs, but dormancy is normal! Your plant is simply waiting for the right conditions—usually cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours—to wake up refreshed and ready to grow again.

When It’s Really Dead

Of course, there is a difference between dormancy and death. Here’s what to watch for:

• Entire plant is black, mushy, or brittle.

• No signs of healthy tissue remain.

• Roots are rotten or completely dried out.

If multiple traps or leaves die at once outside of dormancy, it could indicate overwatering, underwatering, or environmental stress.

How to Help Your Carnivorous Plants Thrive

Even dormant plants need a little TLC:

• Keep the soil slightly moist: Most carnivorous plants prefer a wet, but not soggy, environment.

• Provide the right light: Bright, indirect sunlight works well. During dormancy, they may need less light, but don’t leave them in complete darkness.

• Maintain cooler temperatures: Mimicking winter conditions helps trigger and sustain dormancy.

The Reward: A Fresh Start

Once the dormancy period ends, your plant will begin producing fresh, vibrant leaves and may even surprise you with new traps or flowers. Watching a carnivorous plant “wake up” is incredibly rewarding, and knowing how to distinguish dormancy from death ensures your green companion stays healthy year after year.

Pro tip: Not all browning leaves are bad! Sometimes removing the dead leaves helps your plant redirect energy to new growth.

Carnivorous plants might look intimidating or high-maintenance, but with the right care and understanding, they thrive beautifully. Dormancy is just nature’s way of hitting the “pause” button—and your plant will come back stronger than ever!