Sudden Sundew Pot Decline: Repotting Time, Pest Check, Stop Moving Plants

Diagnosing a Mixed Sundew Pot Going Downhill

Grower's year-old pot (D. spatulata, capes, scorpioides, staghorn) under 100W T5 (12/12). Staghorn new growth balled up, unopened. Recently pulled dead growth. Now moving outside days (near 50°F).

Expert Diagnosis (Jeff Dallas)

1. Stop moving indoors/out. T5 great; too early for outside. Moving = constant re-adaptation → worse.
2. Repot (1 year mark). Inspect roots with hand lens for pests (cutworms in large roots—remove by hand). Other bugs = treat.
3. Fresh soil invigorates.

Key Principle

Stability > variety. Pick best conditions, leave plants there. Repot annually.