How to Beat the Heat when Growing Carnivorous Plants in the Desert

Upon seeing a Venus Flytrap for the first time, many are inclined to believe that they are exotic tropical plants that can only be grown in humid sunrooms or terrariums. However, this could not be further from the truth. Many varieties of carnivorous plants, especially North American varieties, can be easily grown indoors or outdoors in the desert.

Sarracenia leucophylla makes for a great full-sun outdoor perennial in the desert (Photo credit: California Carnivores)

For outdoor growing, your best bet when selecting which plants to build your collection on would be Sarracenia pitcher plants and Venus Flytraps. These North American plants, native to North Carolina, are sun-lovers and will enjoy the high light intensity. Additionally, they are tolerant of high temperatures, up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as they are provided partial shade during the hottest part of the day and lots of water.

The leaves and petioles of these North American perennials, once hardened to outdoor light intensities, will rarely burn in the sun. However, some precautions should be taken to protect the rhizomes (underground stems) of these plants. Pots should be slightly upsized and ideally should be made of Styrofoam or thicker white plastic to insulate the plants' roots. Although pretty, terracotta pots should be avoided because they will dramatically increase evaporation and leach harmful minerals into the growing media. To keep the roots of your plants cool, you should make sure the pots are always standing in water around a quarter of the pot's height. Shade cloths protecting the plants during the mid- to late- afternoon will also be helpful in mitigating overheating. Aside from these precautions, these plants can be grown outside according to conventional wisdom.

Personally, I have switched completely to indoor growing under LED lights. Through my experience, I have found that when growing indoors, Venus Flytraps and Sarracenia develop deeper, richer coloration on their traps and pitchers and produce new growth faster because too much intense sun can bleach the colors on the traps. Growing indoors also reduces the evaporation of water in plant trays, which, in the long run, makes a huge difference, since you will not have to top up the trays every day.

Venus Flytrap grown indoors, under 14 hours of LED light per day

Venus Flytrap grown outdoors under the same photoperiod

When growing carnivorous plants indoors, the correct type of lighting is vitally important. A very bright south-facing windowsill that receives full sun for the majority of the day will likely be enough during the summer months, but you may have to add supplemental artificial lighting during the early spring and fall.

Many varieties of tropical pitcher plants such as this Nepenthes x ventrata can be grown year-round on windowsills.

If you decide to invest in grow lights, make sure to choose high-power fluorescent or LED lights that replicate full sun, with a light color of at least 6000k, as this will ensure that the plants can soak up all the wavelengths of light that they need. When positioning plants under lights, try to place them as close as possible to the lights without burning them to achieve a deep burgundy color on the leaves. Tin foil or white cardboard placed around the plants can also help reflect light back onto the plant for better growth.

Pot of Cape Sundews grown on a south-facing windowsill. You can tell if your plant has sufficient lighting looking for red coloration like this.

If you decide to grow your plants indoors year-round, it's a good idea to invest in an outlet timer. This will ensure that your plants receive consistent lighting.

Outlet timers are a cheap and effective way to ensure consistent growing results.

Growing carnivorous plants in Arizona may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of planning and the right indoor setup, it’s absolutely achievable—and incredibly rewarding. These unique plants can thrive in even the hottest climates when given the right care, from proper lighting and water to controlled temperatures. Don’t let the desert heat hold you back; with some patience and curiosity, you’ll soon have a collection of fascinating, insect-eating plants flourishing right in your home.

Happy Growing!