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Carnivorous Plants/Drosera Post-transplant problem

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Expert: - 7/9/2011


Question
Leaf Browning
Leaf Browning
Answers to the above question requirements:
1) Some type of rosetted Drosera.
2) I recently transplanted this plant into a 6" plastic container with drain holes on the bottom. Shortly after, the plant showed browning on the tips of the leaves and decreased dew production.
3) The plant gets full sun. I filled the bottom tray with filtered water from the refrigerator dispenser one time but recent rain has kept it full since then. The plant is in a sphagnum substrate. I buy it recently and transplanted it that day, about 1 week ago.
4) I live in Central Florida. The temperature has been in the 90's midday recently with lots of rain. The plant is outside in full sun.

My question:
From the research I've done, it seems that my plant can withstand the summer heat and full sun; therefore, is my plant showing signs of poor health because of some other environmental issue that I'm missing (i.e. substrate, pH, transplanting technique, etc..)?

Answer
Hi Matt,

Thank-you for including a photo, and being detailed with your growing conditions.  That helps so much.  What this looks like is that your plant has been in low-light conditions before your transplant, and now you have it in proper light conditions.  What's going to happen is you are going to see some leaf burn on the older, weaker, light-green leaves.  This is normal.  Just cut those leaves off as they brown.  When the new growth starts it will be dark red, and you should see normal mucilage production again.  Don't be tempted to shade the plant.  You need to let this process take its course to get your plant back to good health.  Just be a bit ruthless about cutting off the older leaves.  It will help cut down on transpiration during the transition.

Good Growing!

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

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!

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