Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 11/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi i have a drosera capensis that has on the tip of the leafs black on the tip of them i have no idea what the problem could be i give it 7-9 hours of direct sunlight in a south window everyday i keep it in sitting distilled water it is in a mix of one parts peat moss one parts perlite soil mix and it is growing indoors there seems to be no signs of insects of any kind there is also no warm air blowing i know that can cause it but there is know draft of any sort and i have other drosera capensis with the same growing conditions and they are growing great one is even growing a flower stalk and also the leafs never uncurl when trying to grow out. and i live in Carrollton Ga

ANSWER: Thank you for the photo.  The black tips is likely from age.  If you look closely on your plant, the tips are black only on the leaves lower down.  Leaves generally live for about a month or two.  When they approach the end of their life cycle, they will naturally start to brown at the tips.  Eventually, the entire leaf will turn black.

Older leaves also have less tendency to curl around insects than younger leaves.  This is normal.

Leaves will also turn brown when you move a plant to a completely new growing environment.  If you recently acquired the plant, this type of transition is normal and many times unavoidable.  As the plant grows new leaves, those leaves will be perfectly acclimated to the new location.

With any brown leaves, you can simply cut them off when you can't stand looking at them anymore.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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QUESTION: Hi again your right those are older leafs but not more than a week or two and i have brand new leafs that are black at the tip and i have not changed its environments for about a month or two thanks.

ANSWER: It's likely there is some root damage.  The plant isn't able to absorb enough water to offset moisture loss through the leaves.  Root damage can occur during the repotting process or when plants are shipped bare root.  If this is the case, the only thing you can do is give your plant lots of time to recover.  It may take several months (up to 6 months), so you'll need to be patient.  As long as your plant is getting lots of direct sunlight, it will have the energy to repair the root damage.

Judging from the photo, I don't see any red in the leaves.  If you have a typical Cape sundew, the tentacles should be red.  Make sure the plant is getting at least 4 hours of direct sunlight.  You mentioned it's getting it, but make sure the plant isn't being blocked by other plants.  It's really important that sunlight actually hits the plant. There shouldn't be any obstruction between the plant and the sun (except for the glass in your window).

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QUESTION: Hi again sorry for all the follow ups but they are getting all the things you have said they might not be getting but i think you may be right it might be root damage it was not shipped bare root either do thanks answer the question if you have any more suggestions thanks again. One other thing this is probably one of the harder questions to answer isn't it?

Answer
With root damage, you could give your plant some SuperThrive.  It helps with root development.  Use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon.  However, this product is difficult to find.  You might find it on Amazon or ebay.  It's not essential to use it.  Your plant will do fine without it.  It'll just take a bit longer.  Just give your plant time and lots sunlight.