  We have examined VTL/ISAAC 1-2.5 $\umu$m spectroscopy of a sample of short
orbital period cataclysmic variables which are candidates for harboring
substellar companions. We provide descriptions of the infrared spectrum of
\hbox{EI Psc}, \hbox{V834 Cen}, \hbox{WX Cet}, \hbox{VW Hyi}, \hbox{TY PsA} and
\hbox{BW Scl}. Fitting of the IR spectral energy distribution (SED) was
performed by comparing the observed spectrum with late-type templates.
Absorption features of the secondary star were detected in \hbox{EI Psc} and
\hbox{V834 Cen}, consistent with dwarf secondaries of spectral type K 5 $\pm$ 1
and M 8 $\pm$ 0.5, respectively. In addition, we report the first detection of
the secondary star in \hbox{VW Hyi}. The SED in this case is well matched by an
L 0 $\pm$ 2 type secondary contributing 23 per cent to the overall flux at
$\lambda$ = 1.15 $\umu$m. This is a surprising result for a system with a
relatively high mass transfer rate. We discuss the implication of our findings
on the current scenarios for cataclysmic variable star evolution.
