Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 6/22/2011

Question
1) The species of carnivorous plant you're growing.
We've purchased a D. adelae - Lance Leaf Sundew from your site.

2) A concise description of a single issue.
The leaves are browning a bit and the leaves don't have dew any more.

3) Lighting - 6 hours direct sunlight outdoors, sitting in a few inches of standing water no higher than half way up the pot from a reverse osmosis unit. We have not repotted since receiving this plant from you on May 12.

4) Your region to assess seasonal issues.
We are located in New Jersey.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Niklas,

Similar to your butterwort, it sounds like your window is a very strong sunny window.  Lance-leaf sundews are one of the few shade tolerant sundews, so you're probably getting a little leaf burn.  Try to give your plant a little shading if you have any other plants in this window, and make sure the tray always has water in it.  If the soil ever goes dry with this plant it will loose mucilage, and you won't see more until new leaves grow.  If you got some brown, dead leaves, cut those off.  Lance leaf sundews are good about growing new leaves, so once you give it a little shading you should see newer leaves growing that look normal.

If you could send me a photo of your plant it would help me to make a better diagnosis.  Include what your growing area looks like at the peak of the sun.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com