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Carnivorous Plants/Drosera Adalea not healthy

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Expert: - 8/23/2011


Question
Drosera Adalea
Drosera Adalea
Hey Sarracenia Northwest,

I have had this Drosera Adalea for about 6 months now and it was the first plant that you sent me. It started looking pretty sorry about 1 month before I left school for summer break. It was here in the same place though while I was gone being taken care of. I am using distilled water, the soil it was shipped in, it has been about 84 degrees in my room where I keep it. I have tried keeping it out of any direct sunlight and putting it in my east facing window but nothing has revived it. I have been keeping it watered. It has been losing leaves, not producing any dew, wilting, no growth progress, leaves becoming thinner, root system not spreading. Thanks a lot for your time and help!

Sterling

Answer
Hi Sterling,

Thanks for the photo.  That always helps.  Your plant isn't getting enough light.  Way to often when folks hear that a plant is shade tolerant, such as D. adelae, they mistakenly think that means very low light.  It doesn't.  D. adelae does best in partial sun, especially in a windowsill.  Unless the window is blazing hot, more sun is better than less.  I have one in a south facing kitchen window that does just fine.

You'll need to give it some time to transition once you move it to brighter light, but it will look much better with more light.  It'll take about 3 weeks.  Make sure it stays constantly wet.  It could be too that your room is a bit warm.  If you can keep the plant in the 70's it'll be happier.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for your help! Thank you for responding so quickly. Sterling


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Sarracenia Northwest

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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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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.

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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.

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