Drosera Intermedia Post-Flowering Decline: Light, Water, and Humidity Needs

Drosera Intermedia Post-Flowering Decline: Light, Water, and Humidity Needs

A Drosera intermedia (sundew) cut before flowering now looks miserable: no dew, one slow new leaf. Owner asks how long post-bloom stress lasts and when to consider it dead. Plant gets "full sun" and "right water" indoors.

Likely Cultural Issues, Not Flowering Stress

• "Full sun" indoors is rarely true full sun. Sundews need several hours of direct, unobstructed sunlight daily – usually only possible outdoors.
• Humidity: Need near 100%; indoor air is too dry.
• Water: Must be distilled, RO, or rain water. Tap water minerals kill them.

Recovery Steps

1. Move outdoors in direct sun (acclimate gradually).
2. Use only pure water; keep soil constantly wet (tray method).
3. Do not fertilize.
4. If indoors is only option, use strong grow lights (12-14 hrs), humidity dome, and pure water.

Flowering rarely kills healthy sundews; cultural mismatch is the culprit.