Question about Drosera capensis leaves

[adiosinsectos]

I recently purchased a beautiful Drosera capensis specimen from the wonderful guys at Sarracenia Northwest. In the last few days, it's leaves have been curling downward. As a recent carnivorous plant owner, I am unsure as to why my plant is doing this. I am assuming that it is receiving too much light, but I am not sure of this and was hoping that someone had some advice for me.

Thanks for your help,
Megan

[Joseph Clemens]

That's a question that is somewhat difficult to answer, as most of the leaves of species that grow with a similar habit, to Drosera capensis, including, Drosera capensis, have their leaves gradually grow down, as they age, it is a part of their normal growth process. What you are experiencing may, or may not, be normal growth. Plants that have been jostled around, as a natural part of the shipping process are expected to behave in a manner, other than normal, until they adjust to their new environment.

If you could include a photograph, it could help to decide if what you are witnessing is normal for the plant, normal for plants after shipping trauma, or an abnormal problem that could benefit from corrective action.

[bluemax]

It might also help to include information about the conditions the plant is growing in: how much humidity, what is the light level and type, the kind of soil and have you repotted recently, amount of soil moisture and how it is watered. Did you have the plants shipped to you or did you pick them up yourself? Do the leaves have dew (mucilage) on them?

I know this sounds like a lot of questions. But having a bit more information I expect that the good people of this forum will be happy to help if they can.

- Mark

[jdallas]

Hi Megan,

All of our Cape Sundews were grown in our sundew greenhouse, and this time of year we have a 400 watt metal halide light over them, or if it was a 3 inch pot it was growing about 3 inches from standard T-12 40 watt fluorescent lights in addition to natural light. Depending on when you got your plant, leaves curling under are usually due to lack of light, especially if you have it in a windowsill. Our Pacific Northwest winters just don't have enough sun. It's very rare to have too much light here, especially if you're relying on natural light. I have one in my west facing living room window, and I supplement it with a fluorescent desk lamp until around April. Welcome to the forum!

Jeff