Orange‑Red Crust on Drosera Soil: Mineral Deposits, Not Fungus

Flushing Peat‑Derived Mineral Buildup

A colorful crust on the soil surface of a Drosera capensis is almost always mineral salts leaching from low‑grade peat moss—not fungus.

Remedy

1. Top‑water daily for 2–3 weeks to flush salts downward.
2. When repotting, soak peat in pure water, drain, and squeeze to remove minerals before use.
3. Switch to commercial coarse‑grade peat (lighter color, lower minerals) or buy pre‑mixed CP soil.

Outdoor plants rarely show this because rain flushes pots naturally.