Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a drosera binata the kind with only 1 pair of forks and lately it has lost all it's tentacles. I am a little worried because I don't know if it is either death or alive, but if it is alive I was hoping you could throw in a few tips just in case, the plant is currently sitting in a west facing window where it gets a good 4 hrs of sunlight, and it is kept in a tray of water. I live in the Texas panhandle and it has been awfully cool this past 2 weeks, around the 80簊.
Thanks!!!

ANSWER: Hi BY,

I guess we have a difference of definition of what cool is!  For us, being in the 80s is a heat wave!

What you've described (loss of tentacles) is very unusual.  Normally if the conditions are right, sundews will simply cease producing dew.  But you mentioned that your plant has lost all of its tentacles.  This would suggest that the plant experienced severe leaf damage.

Without knowing much about the history of your plant, it's difficult to determine what happened.  If I were to take a guess at it, I would say that the plant suffered from extreme heat exposure in your west window.  Given that 80?is cool for you, you may not have noticed how warm it was in that west window.  While this plant will tolerate very warm temperatures, you have to monitor your plant to make sure the temperature doesn't get too warm, especially when it goes over 100癋.  Many tropical sundews don't often experience this type of temperatures.  If they do, they're sometimes shielded from the intense sun by other plants.

Another factor is severe dehydration.  If the soil dried out, this could affect dew production.  If the soil was dry for a long period of time, the plant could suffer irreversible leaf wilt.

In either case, once leaf damage occurs, it's irreversible.  You won't see any dew or tentacles on the current leaves.  You'll need to look for new growth instead.  Grow your plant in very bright light, but make sure the temperatures are below 90癋.  Keep the soil wet with mineral-free water at all times.

Also look carefully at your plant for pests, particularly spider mites.  They're very tiny, but if you see small spider webs around the leaves of your plant, you likely got spider mites.  If this is the case, write back as a follow-up for further instructions.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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QUESTION: Well I have found tiny spiderwebs in my other plants such as nepenthes judith finn,and ventricosa. I believe they are spider mites.
What should I do!!!!

ANSWER: Hi BY,

Spider mites are a very difficult pest to eradicate.  You will need to spray with a pesticide.  Look for an insecticide based on permethrin (you'll need to read ingredients).  A newer product recently out is Bayer 3 in 1 rose spray.  It uses a different miticide and is made to kill mites and be fungicidal.  So far it's proving to be safe on carnivorous plants.  Just be sure to follow label directions.  It will certainly be safe on Nepenthes.  They are tough plants.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Oh, I also have a pinguicula moctezumae and it is also struggling. The leaves of the plant have started to turn white and some, I believe, are starting to dry. I had it set outside from 8-12 in the morning, getting plenty of great sunlight, then the next day I found most its leaves were changing color. I also only water it once a week, I sprinkle water on top of the plant and sometimes I fill up a small plate and let the pot sit there 'til theres no more water. Whats happening to my plant, and is it healthy???? What am I doing wrong!?

Answer
Hi By,

Your plant is probably dead. :(  Mexican butterworts are not full sun plants.  They grow in the understory of trees, and usually get dappled light in nature.  Indoors they can handle a partly sunny window because the glass blocks most of the UV light.  Outdoors they can't handle full sun.  Pinguicula moctezumae is also one that is sensitve to excessive heat.  I've found ours in our greenhouse slow down during the heat of the summer, and start picking up growth when it cools in the fall.


Good Growing!

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