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Sir, I have a Drosera spatualata that appears to have several smaller D. spatualta's growing under the main foliage. I was wondering if there is an optimal time to separate and re-pot or more importantly is there a time in the year that I should not re-pot.(or should I just leave them alone!) The plant gets 2-3 hours of morning sun then indirect sun the rest of the day. I use distilled and rain water only, the soil is a 50/50 mix of peat/perlite and live in Austin, Texas. Thank you.
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Hi Michael,
Drosera spatulata can be transplanted and any time of year. Spring and summer are better times if the plant is growing in a windowsill since the day are longer, and it will have more light to recover more rapidly.
When they get crowded like this it is good to separate them some. I like to gently pull the group apart and see which roots separate easily. I will sometimes leave clumps together if it looks like I can't get them apart without tearing roots apart. Even if you do damage roots, however, D. spatulata is a very vigorous plant and tends to recover. If you've damaged roots it's good to cut off most of the leaves to minimize transpiration. They grow new ones along with new roots.
On a separate issue, your plant could really use more sun. Drosera spatulata forms are usually bright red, not pure green. If you have a window with more sun, or could supplement the window with a fluorescent light, it will help. The plant will look better, and have more mucilage to catch insects.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
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| Comment | Thank you for the speedy reply! I keep my plants outside on the back patio. I will follow your advice and find them a spot that receives more sun. Thanks again, have a great day. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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.
Just the straight facts from guys who grow and propagate
thousands of carnivorous plants each year.
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