Carnivorous Plant Care: Sundews, Nepenthes, and Cape Sundews

Troubleshooting Common Carnivorous Plant Issues

Growing carnivorous plants like sundews (Drosera), tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes), and Cape sundews (Drosera capensis) can be incredibly rewarding, but they come with unique challenges. Here's expert advice on three common situations.

Spoonleaf Sundews and Fungus Management

After transplanting 25-30 spoonleaf sundews into a large pot, you noticed slime or fungus on the soil surface and applied a fungicide. While some fungicides can harm sensitive carnivorous plants, sulfur-based products and neem oil are generally safe for sundews. The bigger issue is likely your water level: keeping water an inch below the soil surface creates stagnant conditions that encourage fungal growth. In nature, sundews experience constantly moving water. Lower the water level to about halfway down the pot and ensure good air circulation to prevent recurrence.

Slow-Growing Nepenthes ramispina

Your two-year-old N. ramispina produces occasional 3-4 inch pitchers but remains only 5-6 inches tall with smaller top leaves. This is typical—N. ramispina is a naturally slow-growing highland species. Even in ideal Hawaiian conditions, many highland Nepenthes grow slowly. You're providing good care: a west window, nightly misting, and occasional dilute orchid fertilizer. The only way to slightly accelerate growth is feeding more insects, but patience is key. Regarding pitcher fluid: it's normal for pitchers to have little liquid, especially in dry air. Adding a few drops of distilled water occasionally is perfectly fine and mimics natural rainfall.

Growing Cape Sundews from Seed

Your setup for Cape sundew seeds—40-watt fluorescent light 24/7, pots in 2+ inches of water on a 50/50 sphagnum peat/perlite mix—is excellent. The only adjustment: reduce the light cycle to 14-16 hours. Continuous light encourages algae and moss growth without benefiting the seedlings. Given time, you'll have more Cape sundews than you can handle!

—Jeff Dallas, Sarracenia Northwest