Question

Twisted leaf   I live in Phoenix, Arizona (zone 8) and have just received my sundew (Drosera Capensis, Red Leaf) in the mail last week.

Upon arrival, I immediately repotted my sundew in a mix of 50/50 long fibered sphagnum and perlite.

I only use distilled water on this plant and have kept it outdoors in direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours  a day.

I bring in my sundew every night since my backyard is always brightly lit at and find it practical to have this plant (as any other) exposed to a dark period.

After a week, my sundew has produced a significant amount of dew on most of its leaves, though my concern is some of the leaves are slightly twisting to the point of being almost sideways.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thank you. :)

Answer
Hi Tony,

With Cape Sundews, pay little attention to lower leaves.  As plants grow they cycle through them, and the lower ones become a dead skirt around the plant's stem.  If you have brand new leaves looking twisted, especially developing ones, that is usually a sign of aphids and you would need to treat for that.

You might want to start thinking now about a place for your plant as it gets closer to summer.  It will be too hot outside in Phoenix for a Cape Sundew, so a sunny window in the house might be a consideration.  Once your temperatures are consistently in the upper 90's it might be time to move indoors.  Also, it's best to find a spot for your plant and leave it.  All plants, not just carnivorous plants, hate being moved around too much since this something that never happens in nature.  It's doubtful that the outdoor lights are going to be too bright; the plant will still get it cues.

Good Growing!

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