Carnivorous Plants/Drosera Regia

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Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 11/6/2009


Question

Drosera
Hello,

I got a drosera regia recently from you guys and it is starting to lose a couple leaves. They are turning black and dying. Could this just be shock from the changes in it's environment after shipping? I repotted it in a bigger pot, in a 2 part perlite one part peat mix. I only top water it  with distilled water and the pot only has about a half of inch of water up the side at all times, I use the tray method. The plant is in a south windowsill but it also gets light from an adjacent east window.

Answer
Hi Joe,

Yes, is mostly a transition issue.  Sundews tend to drop their older leaves when they move to a new environment.  This is normal and unavoidable.

Based on your photo, I'd say your plant could use more direct sunlight.  While it is very close to the window, make sure it's getting direct sun.  I noticed that a couple of leaves are curling under.  This is characteristic of low light.

I have a king sundew in my south kitchen window and it's getting a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight during fall and winter.  In summer, I move it to a different location where it can get more sunlight.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

Sarracenia Northwest

Expertise

If your plant is showing poor growth, discoloration, abnormal leaves or possible infestation, the growers at Sarracenia Northwest can help! Carnivorous plant experts Jeff Dallas and Jacob Farin will help you diagnose the problem and get your plants on the right track. Their no nonsense approach has helped thousands of growers all over the world. They can help you too!

Experience

With over 40 years of combined experience, Jeff and Jacob has definitely taken a straight forward approach to growing carnivorous plants. They have encountered many types of diseases, abnormal growth and infestations related to carnivorous plants, and they know what it takes to get plants looking beautiful and healthy again. Get the straight facts from the guys who grow and propagate thousands of these plants every year.

Education/Credentials
Authors of Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden and producers of the Grow Carnivorous Plants! DVD Series. They also produce a monthly video podcast to illustrate how plants cycle through the seasons.

No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.


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