Diagnosing Sundew Decline: Fertilized Soil and Orchid Overspray

Two-year-old sundews under 6×40W Hortilux lamps (20" away) looked sickly. Soil was Whitney Farms 1:1 peat:perlite. A Phalenopsis orchid sat nearby; possible fertilizer overspray.

Dual Culprits

1. Small-bag soil amendments often contain fertilizer or lime. Use bale peat only.
2. Fertilizer drift from orchid care—the sundew closer to the orchid showed more leaf burn and darker green color.

Fix

• Transplant into clean, bale-based peat:perlite (author offered free soil at market).
• Fertilize orchid away from sundews, or use the soak method (¼ tsp/gal orchid fertilizer, dip pot 10 min).

Both issues are common and correctable.