Reviving a Struggling Cape Sundew: Light, Water, and Avoiding Terrariums

Diagnosis

A Cape sundew (D. capensis) from a "death cube" deteriorated after one day in sun, then stagnated in a terrarium with fluorescent lights. The leaves are too soft from low-light store conditions to recover.

Recovery Plan

• Cut off all leaves except the crown.
• Place in a sunny window with the pot sitting in a small amount of distilled or melted snow water.
• Avoid terrariums—they cause more problems than they solve.
• Household temperatures are fine; humidity will adapt with new growth.
• Expect new growth within two weeks.

Resources

Read the tropical sundew care guide at cobraplant.com and consider the "Grow Carnivorous Plants" Volume 2 DVD for a complete course.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com