Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 9/16/2011

Question
Hey Jeff, I appreciate your help on my questions. I was wondering about the importance of feeding. I have used a fertilizer called Max Sea. It was recommended by California Carnivors. They say they have great results with it and I've used it for a couple years. So I'm wondering if you don't feed these sundews could that also cause them to shrink? I follow your instructions for light since that's their energy. I'm asking about feeding because I was looking at a web site called growsundews.com. This person was saying that without feeding a sundew they will not grow quickly and or well. So since I trust your experience what would you recommend. Thanks again.
Jason

Answer
Insects are like little packets of fertilizers, so carnivorous plants get much of the nutrients, such as nitrogen, from insects.  Insects often find their way into homes and end up on sundews and such.  You can use fertilizers in lieu of insects, but we don't emphasize this since in most situations lack of insects is not an issue.  It also needs to be done judiciously.  If applied incorrectly, you can damage your plants.  

MaxSea is fine to use.  Since the dilution is relatively weak, almost any plant fertilizer will do the job.  We prefer to use orchid and bromeliad fertilziers.  Some growers use Peter's.  If you suspect that your sundews are suffering from nutritional deficiency, you will see more new growth within a month after fertilizing your plants.

For more information about how to use fertilizers on sundews, watch Volume 2 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin