Reviving Leggy Drosera scorpioides and Managing Sarracenia purpurea Pitcher Deformities

A grower in Western Washington had a two-year-old Drosera scorpioides that remained leggy despite a sunny windowsill, and Sarracenia purpurea pitchers with grotesquely enlarged alae (wings).

Drosera scorpioides

• Winter windowsill light is insufficient; add a fluorescent desk lamp (12–14 hours).
• Species is short-lived (~3 years). Consider propagating from gemmae (tiny seed-like structures in the crown) or transplanting deeper to encourage new shoots.

Sarracenia purpurea

• Enlarged, non-functional alae appear occasionally, especially in S. purpurea ssp. venosa or multi-crowned plants.
• Simply clip off deformed leaves; they don't harm the plant.

Both issues are common and easily managed.