Troubleshooting
Drosera capensis 'Red' problems — and how to fix them
Drosera capensis 'Red' (Drosera capensis 'Red') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
No dew on the tentacles
Too little light, low humidity or recent disturbance. Move to brighter light; dew usually returns within a day or two.
Green instead of red
The all-red form only colours up in strong light. Increase sun or grow-light intensity to develop the burgundy tone.
Aggressive self-seeding
Cape sundews seed prolifically and pop up in nearby pots. Remove flower stalks before seed sets if you want to limit spread.
Media drying out
Letting the tray run dry stresses or kills the plant. Keep it standing in pure water at all times.
Prevent drosera capensis 'red' problems before they start
Most drosera capensis 'red' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common cape sundew problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Drosera capensis 'Red' watering schedule
- Drosera capensis 'Red' light requirements
- Best soil mix for drosera capensis 'red'
- Drosera capensis 'Red' temperature & humidity
- Full drosera capensis 'red' care guide
Looking for drosera capensis 'red' in general rather than its problems? Read the full drosera capensis 'red' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Drosera capensis 'Red' problems — FAQ
Why is my drosera capensis 'red' no dew on the tentacles?
Too little light, low humidity or recent disturbance. Move to brighter light; dew usually returns within a day or two.
Why is my drosera capensis 'red' green instead of red?
The all-red form only colours up in strong light. Increase sun or grow-light intensity to develop the burgundy tone.
Why is my drosera capensis 'red' aggressive self-seeding?
Cape sundews seed prolifically and pop up in nearby pots. Remove flower stalks before seed sets if you want to limit spread.
Why is my drosera capensis 'red' media drying out?
Letting the tray run dry stresses or kills the plant. Keep it standing in pure water at all times.