brad

The Red Dragon Venus flytrap is a member of the Genus Dionaea. It is typical of the species except that it displays increased red pigmentation due to the effects of light. It readily interbreeds with all members of its Genus and it is self fertile. As a living being the Red Dragon is a complex of exacting enzymatically driven biochemical reactions. A few simple external environmental factors are required for it to thrive. When compared to the other members of its Genus it has the same general requirements for survival. It may possess competitive advantages when compared to others in its Genus, it may also have weaknesses. If the Red Dragon does not thrive in a set of growing conditions, then these conditions are of poor quality for the entire Genus. To observe other VFT as supposedly fine in the same conditions, does not negate the fact that your growing conditions are on the fringe of acceptable and are of generally poor quality for growing VFT. But seriously, the Red Dragon seems to be a bit finicky. Alexis may be on to something about growing it a little drier, because it is prone to rot. But I believe as Graham does that it just thrives better in good quality light conditions. Maybe has something to do with the increased pigment of this variety. My Red Dragons are phenomenal plants, maybe I am just lucky. The Red Dragon may truly be telling you that your light is on the fringe of acceptable for this light hungry Genus called Dionaea. Take care, Brad Ventura California

Alexis, You state that: “On average, 10% of any sarracenia seed will not be naturally viable as well, so 91-100% germination success is virtually impossible. Alexis, Why do you think that? The paper which Vic cites above, documents “greater than 90% seed viability” across the entire Genus. This study was of wild Sarracenia except for the Endangered Sarracenia studied. There are many factors which influence seed viability, and many other factors which influence seed germination. But in my personal observations of Sarracenia, the seed is nearly 100% viable (selfed plants are variably less). And if a hobbyist stratifies Sarracenia seed in a kitchen refrigerator (40 F) wet and cold for 4 weeks, germination will also approach 100%. I know when someone sets out CP seed for germination, they will get will get the results they get, but it is really cool to sow a bunch of Sarracenia seed and see them all get off to a synchronous healthy start. Brad Ventura California

Sarracenia seed wet cold stratification (also Darlingtonia, and temperate Drosera) the best rule of thumb has always been 4 weeks. Sure less time will work in many instances, and some a little longer will allow for slightly better germination (95% vs 90%) in S. purpurea purpurea studies. But, again the best time frame is 4 weeks of wet cold stratification. Longer you just risk loosing the seed to fungus or rot, shorter may not be quite long enough and then you have accomplished nothing. 4 weeks of wet cold stratification just works best for CP hobbyists. VFT seed do not need stratification for germination. Brad Ventura California

Ebyonder, I don't have any first hand knowledge about growing VFT in a true tropical environment. But VFTs have been grown successfully year round outside in Hawaii, USA. Also VFTs have been introduced into the wild in the tropical Caribbean and have successfully grown there for at least 40 years. Like Tamlin states, VFT and many plant dormancy is very reliant on photoperiod. With VFT dormancy is initiated by the decreasing daylength that the plants experience in late summer and fall. Dormancy can be broken early by increased temperatures, which is ok if the daylength and sun strength can support the growth that the VFT is trying make. If I lived in the Tropics I would grow my VFT outdoors year round. I would use a deep pot maybe 6 inches or more, and I would use 25% or less (sphagnum or peat in my soil). Sphagnum (long fiber or peat) I believe is a poor soil in warm to hot wet growing conditions and will lead to rot of your VFT. I would shield the pot, but not the plants from the sun to keep them and especially the soil cooler. You need to experiment with your plants, grown them outside year round and tell us how successful you are. Good luck, Brad Ventura California

Bob, What a nice cluster of Darlingtonia. Sure look very healthy. I would love to see a picture of these guys every year to follow how they do. I have seen wild Darlingtonia thriving in running streamlets of water where you can hear the ripple very easily. I have seen wild Darlingtonia thriving at the side (but in the current) of rapidly flowing streams which you could not walk across due to the dangerous rapid flow of the water. I have also seen very rarely wild Darlingtonia growing in stagnant water (must have been microscopic movement somewhere). Thanks for the beautiful pic Bob. Brad Ventura California