Question
I have a P. primuliflora - Primrose Butterwort and Its not doing so well right now. I was wondering if it was because it is getting direct sunlight all day. It always has water in the pot. Could it be the weather? right now In Massachusetts temperatures are in the mid 50's to 60's.What should I do to make it come alive?

Answer
Hi Mike,

Yes, this particular species can grow really well for you, or it can just take a nose dive.  The problem with this plant is that it's prone to fungal infection.  What I've found with this species is that it prefers to have moist soil, but not sitting in large amounts of water.  A small amount of water is OK, such as just enough to cover the bottom of the saucer.  If you do this, you should allow the saucer to be dry for a day or two before adding more water.  If you keep the plant constantly sitting in water, then it tends to rot out.

Also make sure you're using mineral-free water.  Minerals in water will cause the plant to rot away too.  Tap water is OK as long as you've had it tested for water hardness.  The ideal level should be less than 50 parts per million of dissolved minerals.  If it's higher than that, then you'll need to use distilled water instead.

The lighting might also be a factor.  Ideally the plant grows best in partial sun with some shade.  You can grow it in full sun, as I have done so with some specimens in my nursery, but you end up with a smaller plant with yellowish leaves.  Ironically, however, those grown in full sun tend to come back the following year.  Our plants have survived temperatures as low as 14癋 without any protection!

Again, fungus is the primary stumbling block when growing this plant. As a preventative measure, spray your plant with a sulfur-based fungicide.    Safer?brand makes a prepared solution of it.  Just follow the directions on the bottle.

You could also consider starting over. I tend to treat this plant more like an annual than as a perennial, even though they have proven to be hardy in zone 8.  

So don't worry too much about this plant.  Even though it is a common carnivorous plant, it can be a bit finicky in cultivation.  (Flytraps are actually much easier to grow than primrose butterworts!)  Just remember to keep the soil barely damp water than waterlogged and use mineral-free water.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin