Hard Water Damage Mimicking Dormancy in Tropical Sundews: Repotting and Water Verification

Mineral Crust = Hard Water

White deposits on pot/tray indicate dissolved minerals. Tropical sundews (capensis, spatulata) are sensitive; Pinguicula ‘Aphrodite’ tolerates hard water (grows in limestone).

Fix

• Repot affected sundews in fresh peat (soak peat in distilled water, drain, then use).
• Verify water label: “purified by steam distillation.” Avoid “spring water” or “drinking water.”