How to: Fridge dormancy

[F R e N c H 3 z]

There's been a lot of questions regarding fridge dormancy and for those of us that do not have access to a garage or shed and live in zones not fit for outside dormancy, we must resort to fridge dormancy (unfortunately)

There are different methods, this is simply mine. I have had tremendous success using it and hope that those of you that chose to use it do as well.

Please feel free to comment and ask questions!

Required items:

Individually Labeled Ziplock bags

Empty clean bucket

Sphagnum moss

Consan 20

Neem oil

Sulfur based Fungicide

Clean RO/DI or rain water

Trash bag

Scissors

Spray bottles

Fridge

1) Fill bucket halfway with water (approximately 1 gallon)

2) Add 2 cups of sulfur based fungicide

3) Add 4 - 5 tablespoons of Neem oil

4) Add bale of sphagnum peat moss to the mix and hand mix thoroughly

5) Select your plant (make sure pre-dormancy has properly occured in your location i.e. slow to stopped growth and natural pitcher death due to change of seasons.)

6) Carefully dig up the plant entirely, making sure to get as much root system as possible.

7) Trim dead/ discolored pitchers and any trapped prey from the plant by cutting below the pit line of the trap. Be sure to leave phyllodia on the plant.

8) Grab a handful of the soaking sphagnum moss and wring out excess water. The media should be moist, not wet. Place into ziplock bag then place roots of the plant into the sphagnum.

9) Spray all of the plant and media with neem oil and consan20 generously.

10) Place in fridge for ~ 3 months or until night time spring temperatures continuously stay above freezing.

11) MOST IMPORTANTLY: Check regularly on the plants at least monthly by inspecting the rhizome and leaves for mold or other infestations. Re-apply neem and/or consan20 as needed.

Rubbing alchohol and Hydrogen Peroxide are also acceptable but do not work as well as fungicides IMO. Application to the leaves via Q-tip is acceptable.

NOTE: Do not use Consan 20 on Drosera species!

Edited December 31, 2009 by F R e N c H 3 z

[Alexis]

Great guide!

I think you mean sphagnum moss, not sphagnum peat moss.

[F R e N c H 3 z]

Great guide!

I think you mean sphagnum moss, not sphagnum peat moss.

Yes, Yes I do! Thank you for catching that, I'll edit it. :)

[Entwadumela]

Great tutorial their Yann

Pictures are worth a thousand words, thanks.

Good Growing to you,

E

[F R e N c H 3 z]

Great tutorial their Yann

Pictures are worth a thousand words, thanks.

Good Growing to you,

E

My pleasure :)

When I was starting out it was a real pain in the arse to find any tutorial or info about fridge dormancy. Using this method I've yet to loose a plant so hopefully it serves others as well it's served me!

Now to find a place with a basement/garage or even better...MILD WINTERS!

Edited December 2, 2009 by F R e N c H 3 z

[calek]

Thanks a ton! Great guide!

[Guest MiniMacro]

Excellent guide. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[scottychaos]

Looks good French!

have you brought them out yet?

how are they looking?

for anyone interested, I also have a "fridge method" guide, posted here:

http://gold.mylargescale.com/scottychaos/CP/page2.html

I am no longer using the fridge specifically, im using a basement stairwell instead of the fridge,

but otherwise its all exactly the same..keeping the plants at a steady 35F (+2C) all winter.

I actually havent removed my plants yet!

they are still slumbering away in the stairwell..its been 4 solid months now since I have laid eyes on them..I plan to keep them down there another few weeks..trying a new method this year..

Scot

[jimscott]

My pleasure :)

When I was starting out it was a real pain in the arse to find any tutorial or info about fridge dormancy. Using this method I've yet to loose a plant so hopefully it serves others as well it's served me!

Now to find a place with a basement/garage or even better...MILD WINTERS!

Or you can do like I plan to do next year.... stumble upon a benevolent greenhouse / nursery with an interest in CP's, and con them into setting aside a spot that will get 40ish temps for the winter.

[bodaciousbonsai]

The only Plants I need to put n the fridge are my V.F.T.'s I have always just left them in the pots and checked for the dying traps cut them off every once in a while. then take them back out in 4 months. I have never lost a plant yet.

[VFTLance <3]

Would it be possible to cover your plants in fungicide and then put them in the freezer? as i only have a small fridge and its been a very warm winter so far, im already battling fungus on some of my plants cause of how warm and damp its been, theyre even outside this year, i usually keep them in my conservatory but its just way too warm in there this winter

[Tommyr]

I always hit mine with a little fungicide before putting them in the fridge. I'd say no to the freezer but that's just me.