Question
QUESTION: I had planted seed of drosera rotundifolia in two small pots. the seedlings were growing nicely but now the surface of the ground is covered with algae and they appear to be dying. Is this algae harmful? How do I get rid of it?  The plants are in the south window and also under flourescent lighting for about 16hrs. Temp about 65.

ANSWER: The algae isn't harmful per se.  The algae is usually an indication that the conditions are prime for fungus, which is what would kill the seedlings.  With signs of algae, I suspect that something might not be quite right with the soil.  Normally algae shows up when there isn't sufficient drainage/aeration, the lighting isn't bright enough, insufficient air circulation or there is too much nutrients in the soil.  Since you didn't provide information about the type of soil mix you're using, I can't comment on this or if soil is indeed a factor.  

Unfortunately, once algae appears there's nothing you can do to get rid of it without potentially harming the seedling.  Any chemical treatment to kill the algae will also kill the seedlings.  If your seedlings appear to be dying, it may not be due to the algae.  The most you can do is try to salvage the seedlings.

I recommend first spraying the pots with a sulfur fungicide.  Watch our video podcast on the use of fungicides.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfVUrMaGjVs

This type of treatment is safe for carnivorous plants and will halt the progression of fungus, if fungus is a factor.  After spraying your plants, place your pots outdoors in sunlight.  (We grow our rotundifolia strictly outdoors at our nursery in Oregon.)  Make sure the plants are in at least 4 hours of direct sunlight with bright indirect light during the rest of the day.  Sometimes the direct sunlight will kill off some of the algae and fungus.  You can also allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering again.  Just don't let the soil get too dry that it kills the seedlings.

For more information on growing cold hardy sundews, read our care sheet sheet online and watch Volume 1 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets
http://www.cobraplant.com/DVD

Good growing!
Jacob Farin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I always use standard 50/50 peat/perlite. I do spray with sulfur fungicide. Can such microscopic plants be set outside?
 All my plants show constant signs of low light symptoms even though they're outside. I live in a housing development built in the mid 50's, my backyard contains two huge oak trees and a tall spruce, my front yard is also shaded by large trees. On the south side my house is near the neighboring house. My house faces west.  Its hard for me to tell where a good lighting spot is. I get a lot of western sun in the afternoon, but it seems very hot sometimes.  When I have tried to increase the light, I've baked my plants on several occasions. Even thought I use a standard compact flourescent bulb indoors non of my sundews have the reddish look yours do.

Answer
Keep in mind that rotundifolia is the most ubiquitous sundew in the world, and they occur throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  They self-propagate from seed, so seedlings do exist outdoors in the wild.  We have seedlings popping up in many of our pots each spring.  Of course, you will need to follow the proper acclimation protocols when you move your plants outdoors.  We cover this in Volume 1 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.

Yes, low lighting is an issue and is a major contributor to fungus and algae.  Even if you use a fungicide, your indoor conditions might simply be harboring fungal spores (along with algae spores). Keep in mind the factors that I mentioned earlier that promote fungus and algae - low light and lack of air circulation.  If you don't correct these issues, you will have an ongoing battle with fungus and algae. Your best be is to move the seedlings outdoors.  

If your plants burnt in sunlight in the past, that usually occurs from lack of acclimation.  I strongly suggest that you review our photos in the our gallery.  Take a look at the photos regarding humidity.  This will give you a good idea of how we grow cold hardy sundews.  Even our rotudifolia are outside in full sun.  
http://www.cobraplant.com/gallery

Again, acclimation is the keyword.  On another note, if you want to be successful growing carnivorous plants, you'd do better if you selected plants that were best suited for your particular growing situation.  Growing sun-loving plants might not be the best plants for you at this time.  Even for us, we have to choose our inventory carefully based on our growing conditions.  For this reason, we don't carry any lowland Nepenthes.  We simply do not have the facility to keep them warm enough during the winter months.  

For an idea of what plants would grow best for you, use the Best Plants feature on our website.
http://www.cobraplant.com/bestplants

Good growing!
Jacob Farin