Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 7/20/2011

Question
Hi Jacob/Jeff, the Open-House was beyond amazing. Thank You guys for planning that.

I bought a nice very very tiny Drosera Regia from you guys last month at the Saturday Market, but it's starting to look unhappy. It only has four little leaves, they all look dewless and the tips are starting to turn black.

The care I've bee giving it is growing the plant under flourescent lighting (Two cool-white 40 watt tubes, 14 hours a day), and warm days with night's in the upper 60's/ lower 70's. I also put it in a bigger pot with a mix of 1 part peat moss and 2 parts perlite, and I don't sit the plant in water.

That's what I've been giving the plantlet, but I don't know if it's too warm, the soil isn't appropriate, if it needs to sit in water, if it needs it brighter, or I need to give it more time. I've heard that it grows at a pretty good medium pace, but mine really isn't growing. The only thing I can see to probably change are the flourescent tubes because they are starting to look very dim and they've been on alot every day for over a year. If that's the mistake or one of the mistakes, then I will change them with new ones as soon as possible.

For the Pinguicula, I just want to bump my laueana and moctezume to a bigger pot since they get a little large. I have my peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. But what is the best equal parts mix with those together from your experience, cause I read that you guys grow Pinguicula using those three.

Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Hi Agustin,

I could be that the plant needs to be a little wetter.  It's ok to leave a little water in the tray for the plant.  Also, try giving it cool water at night before bed.

If your fluorescent tubes are over a year old, and you're starting to notice dimming, it's time to replace them.

We do use all three for Mexican Pings.  They seem to appreciate the vermiculite since it adds a little mineral content to the soil.

Good Growing!

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