Multiple Carnivorous Plant Issues: Drosera adelae, Nepenthes sanguinea, and Spoonleaf Sundew

Question: Split brother's lance-leaf sundew; one clump of 3 has only 1 dewy plant. Other two sprout smooth leaves without dew/tentacles. Only difference: rescued Lowes plant got vermiculite in rooting; clump got standard sphagnum/perlite. Also, N. sanguinea refuses to pitcher (west window with maxima which pitchers well). Mist nightly, orchid fertilize every 2–3 weeks. Considering moving to fluorescent. Spoonleaf sundews lost dew after fungicide treatment for soil fungus. Neighbors in west window are dewy.

Answer

Hi Darren,

Vermiculite can be alkaline, but unlikely cause. D. adelae often does this after transplant. If no improvement in a week, cut problem plants to soil level—eliminates transpiration, prompts numerous new shoots in 2–3 weeks.

N. sanguinea: stop fertilizing, keep wetter. Misting has minimal benefit. Odd that maxima thrives and sanguinea fusses—usually opposite. Leave in window; changing conditions reduces pitchering.

Fungicide likely shocked spoonleaf sundews. Water overhead and pour over top. Give time—should recover.

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