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Carnivorous Plants/Algae On Seedlings

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Expert: - 2/21/2009


Question
Hi. I am growing cape sundew seedlings.  They had algae growing in their
soil.  I pulled it out when I saw it.   Now, the algae has begun to grown on
them...onto some of their leaves.  

I sprayed them with a fungicide.  Didn't seem to kill the algae on them.  Is
there any way to get rid of the algae on them? Is it going to spread to their
other leaves and kill them? Should I cut off the leaves that have algae on
them?

Also what soil mix should the seedlings be in? I have them in 50 peat/50
perilite.  Can I grow them in just peat moss, until they get bigger?

Answer
Hello Mae,

You can use the 50/50 peat/perlite for them.

I have never had that kind of algae problem, so i am unsure about how best to proceed. You might want to ask Sarrcenia Northwest if they know of a good algae solution to your problem.

Christopher

Carnivorous Plants

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Christopher Littrell

Expertise

I am capable of answering questions about the most common carnivorous plants found in cultivation. I have no personal experience with Byblis, Drosophyllum, Aldrovanda, and Heliamphora. I have not cultivated gemmae forming pygmy sundews nor tuberous sundews. For information regarding those aforementioned species, I would suggest contacting other experts. I can answer questions regarding most species of Nepenthes, tropical and temperate Drosera, Mexican Pinguicula, Sarracenias, and Dionaea. I have some limited experience with growing Utricularia, Cephalotus, and Darlingtonia.

Experience

I have grown carnivorous plants off and on for about 27 years. I have made the same mistakes and suffered the same mishaps that many growers make as they attempt to separate the myths from the realities of growing these plants. Currently, I am successfully growing a variety of tropical sundews, a Nepenthes, several Venus Flytraps of varying ages, and Sarracenias. I have been successful in stratifying Sarracenia seeds and providing artificial dormancy requirements for my temperate plants when needed.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. Over my lifetime, I have constantly read books involving the growing conditions of carnivorous plants. I hope to incorporate the educational aspects involved in psychology with teaching other people how to cultivate carnivorous plants.

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