Question
Hello Sarracenia Northwest, I wanted to ask what symptoms appear on Sarracenia and Venus Flytraps from mineral build up in their soil due to hard water and will it kill the plants or just stunt their growth. Also if plants have been harm by build up can they recover from it. thanks

Answer
Hi David,

With Venus flytraps you will see traps forming poorly, slow growth, and even mineral deposits on sides of leaves.  Eventually (sometimes only takes two weeks), the traps won't form at all, then the plant dies.  Venus flytraps are very sensitive to hard water.  I've found that once the damage gets to a certain point, they don't recover.

Sarracenia will tolerate it much longer.  The first signs will be burned looking  edges on the lids of trumpet varieties, slow growth, and just general ratty appearance.  Pitchers will often be poorly formed, lack color and vigor.  If reverted back to mineral-free water Sarracenia will usually recover by the next season.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com