Question

It's about 3" tall   Hi Jake,


I know in your profile it states you're knowledgeable in certain plants (with Drosophyllum not being one of them) but maybe you can help me with my Drosophyllum issue?

I live in zone 9 Southern California.  It's been hot here lately, 80F-90F which is kind of normal during this time of year.  What isn't is the 20% humidity we're getting, it's been like this for about two weeks.  I keep my Drosophyllum outdoors for 8 hours/day full sun, 10" terracotta pot, peat/sand/perlite mix, and water lightly with distilled water every 2-3 days due to the weather.

I noticed some of the leaf edges have begun to turn slightly yellow and the plant doesn't look as healthy as it once did. I've had it for about two months, could the humidity be doing something to it?  Is there anything I can do?  I know the picture doesn't show the yellowing too much, is it something I should be worried about?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Akira,
Looking at the plant and judging from the picture, these plants generally do very well in your climate. One thing I would be concerned with the humidity for sure. One thing you might be able to do is bring it inside. Looking and judging by the plant itself, it looks like it is in shock. My suggestion to you, if at all possible you will need to try to find away to raise the ambient or relative humidity around the plant. The only way I can see you can do that is to try to put it in a fish tank or something and raise the humidity and use shop lights to create lighting for it. But, unfortunately, I believe keeping it outside with that low of humidity might ultimately be whats killing your plant. Unless, there is something else that you have changed in its growing environment. Also, it very well could be that it is to hot, usually optimal growth for these plants is anywhere from 75 to 80. However, I dont have alot of knowledge or growth experience with these plants. You might also pop in on my forum, there generally some good drosophyllum growers that might be able to help you better than I can.

I hope this helps.
Jake
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