Winter dormancy slows everything down — growth, metabolism, even daily routines in the greenhouse. When temperatures drop below freezing and outdoor water is shut off, keeping dormant Venus flytraps lightly hydrated can become inconvenient. One simple, natural solution? Clean winter snow — used carefully and in moderation.
Winter Dormancy Changes the Rules
During winter dormancy, Venus flytraps consume very little water. Their roots remain alive, but growth pauses and evaporation is minimal, especially in cold greenhouses. This means the substrate should never stay soaked, but it also must not dry out completely for long periods.
In these conditions, traditional watering methods aren’t always practical. Hoses are frozen, taps are closed, and carrying water daily is unnecessary for plants that are resting.
Why Snow Can Work
Snow is simply frozen rainwater. When applied in a thin layer, it melts slowly, evenly moistening the substrate without flooding it. This slow melt mimics gentle winter hydration and helps re-hydrate pots that have dried out more than intended.
The key is amount — this is not “watering with snow” in the dramatic sense. It’s a light dusting, not a shovel.
Important Rules to Follow
This method works only if a few basic principles are respected:
❄️ Use clean, pure snow, collected far from roads or salted surfaces
❄️ Apply only a thin layer — just enough to melt into the substrate
❄️ Use it occasionally, not as a primary watering method
❄️ Ideal for fully dried-out pots, not already moist ones
Snow should support winter care, not replace normal watering entirely.
When This Makes Sense
This approach is especially useful in:
❄️ Large gardens or greenhouses
❄️ Situations where outdoor water is shut off due to freezing
❄️ Periods of prolonged cold where plants are fully dormant
For small indoor setups or actively growing plants, snow watering is unnecessary and not recommended.
A Practical Winter Helper, Not a Gimmick
Used responsibly, snow can be a practical winter aid — nothing more, nothing less. Venus flytraps in dormancy are resilient, and light hydration from melting snow aligns naturally with the conditions they evolved to handle.
No extremes. No daily routine. Just a simple solution for a frozen season.
Stay warm ☕
— Peter