Broadleaf Drosera capensis Repotting Stress and Hardening Off Cuttings

After repotting a broadleaf D. capensis (trimmed roots, made cuttings), the mother plant shows no dew and new leaves are warped. Root/leaf cuttings in humidity chambers show progress. Asks about hardening off timing and seed germination humidity.

Mother Plant: Check for Aphids

Warped new leaves suggest aphids. Inspect with magnifier; spray crown if found. Otherwise, bright light and time—older leaves won't redew, but new growth will. If all fails, decapitate—roots will push multiple new shoots.

Hardening Off Cuttings

• When: Roots visible on plantlets (1+ inch tall ideal).
• Method: In horticultural tray with clear lid. Prop 1" open for a week, increase gradually.
• Leaf vs. root cuttings: Root cuttings ready first. Can pot them under individual cups to finish hardening while leaf cuttings catch up.

Seeds: Sow Uncovered

Tropical Drosera seeds: no humidity dome. Sow on peat, spray fungicide. Less mold, no hardening off. Sow sparsely.

Timely hardening off prevents fungal crashes. Decapitation is a valid reset for stressed capensis.