Question
I received a drosera intermedia "cuba" and the sundew does not have any dew.  The trap parts of the leaves are pressed against the dirt and most of them are browning.  For growth I have a windowsill, a terrarium, and the temperatures outside are in the mid 70's for a high.  Could you offer some suggestions on how to help this plant recover?
Thank you
Caleb

Answer
The growth habits of the tropical form of intermedia is different than the temperate form.  The temperate form tends to have more upright leaves.  With the tropical form, the leaves are initially upright.  As the plant matures, the leaves drape down to the soil and die off.  This is normal and unavoidable.  The leaves only last for a couple months.

Sunlight is also a factor with dew production.  Your intermedia should be red if it's getting enough sunlight.  It's not at all necessary for this species to be in a terrarium.  As you've discovered, higher humidity doesn't translate to dewy leaves.  Sunlight is a critical factor, more important than humidity.  We grow the temperate form outdoors, and they're very dewy right now.  

My recommendation is to remove your plant from the terrarium and place it in a very sunny windowsill with gets several hours of direct sunlight.  This plant appreciates lots of bright lighting.

For more information about growing tropical sundews, watch Volume 2 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin