Expert: Christopher Littrell - 3/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: I purchased a cross teeth flytrap 3 months ago with other cultivars. All the other cultivars have developed new traps however the cross teeth one has remained the same. It is exposed to full sunlight. It went a little pink but recently has gone back to Yellow and now all the traps are turning black.
I live in Australia and its the first autumn month. Its being watered with rain water in a tray like the rest of the cultivars.

What could be wrong?

ANSWER: Hello Jeffrey,

It sounds like the plant may have been exposed to something in the soil or on the leaves, like strong fertilizers or chemicals, that the other plants may not have been exposed to. It may have also been infected by mold or a pest under the soil surface.

Has there been any fertilizer or herbicide sprayed near the Flytraps? What kind of soil are the plants potted in? How much water is allowed to sit in the tray and what are the pot sizes?

Christopher

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Christopher.

I potted all of them when they arrived. All other VFTs have been thriving. They are all in 1/2 perlite, 1/2 peat moss and sit in 1/2 inch of water. They all receive full sun for approximately 12 hours. It is the first month of Autumn here in Sydney Australia but no signs of dormancy in other VFTs. Pot sizes are approximately 4 inches in diameter and 5-6 inches deep. No fertliser or herbicide used, Its away from other plants as well so its hard to be contaminated with anything.

Answer
Hello Jeffrey,

The only thing I can think of is that the plant is either suffering some form of root damage, perhaps a pest in the soil. You may want to consult Sarracenia Northwest about this as well as they might know of another potential problem I haven't yet thought of. Each cultivar is different and may react differently to conditions, like early dormancy preparations in one while the others keep on growing a while longer.

Christopher