Troubleshooting
Scarlet Sundew problems — and how to fix them
Scarlet Sundew (Drosera scorpioides) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Gemmae failure to germinate
Gemmae are produced in the crown centre in autumn and must be dispersed promptly; left in place they can rot — scatter them onto the surface of fresh moist peat–sand mix as soon as they mature and they will sprout within 1–3 weeks.
Crown rot in warm humid conditions
High temperature combined with high humidity and wet soil is fatal; reduce watering and improve airflow as temperatures exceed 25 °C, allowing the plant to transition to its natural summer dormancy.
Prevent scarlet sundew problems before they start
Most scarlet sundew issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Scarlet Sundew problems — FAQ
Why is my scarlet sundew gemmae failure to germinate?
Gemmae are produced in the crown centre in autumn and must be dispersed promptly; left in place they can rot — scatter them onto the surface of fresh moist peat–sand mix as soon as they mature and they will sprout within 1–3 weeks.
Why is my scarlet sundew crown rot in warm humid conditions?
High temperature combined with high humidity and wet soil is fatal; reduce watering and improve airflow as temperatures exceed 25 °C, allowing the plant to transition to its natural summer dormancy.