Troubleshooting
Slack's Sundew problems — and how to fix them
Slack's Sundew (Drosera slackii) 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.
Green, pale leaves with little mucilage
Indicates insufficient light. Move to a sunnier position or add supplemental grow lighting. D. slackii produces its characteristic deep red colour and generous mucilage only in strong, direct light.
Mineral burn from tap water
Brown leaf tips spreading inward, combined with white crust on the soil surface, indicate mineral accumulation from tap water. Flush the substrate repeatedly with large volumes of pure water and switch exclusively to rainwater or distilled water.
Slow growth or dormancy confusion
D. slackii slows noticeably in winter but does not enter hard dormancy. If growth stalls for more than 2–3 months, check light levels and temperatures. A minimum of 8°C and consistent moisture with some winter sun should maintain slow but steady growth.
Prevent slack's sundew problems before they start
Most slack's sundew issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for slack's sundew in general rather than its problems? Read the full slack's sundew care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Slack's Sundew problems — FAQ
Why is my slack's sundew green, pale leaves with little mucilage?
Indicates insufficient light. Move to a sunnier position or add supplemental grow lighting. D. slackii produces its characteristic deep red colour and generous mucilage only in strong, direct light.
Why is my slack's sundew mineral burn from tap water?
Brown leaf tips spreading inward, combined with white crust on the soil surface, indicate mineral accumulation from tap water. Flush the substrate repeatedly with large volumes of pure water and switch exclusively to rainwater or distilled water.
Why is my slack's sundew slow growth or dormancy confusion?
D. slackii slows noticeably in winter but does not enter hard dormancy. If growth stalls for more than 2–3 months, check light levels and temperatures. A minimum of 8°C and consistent moisture with some winter sun should maintain slow but steady growth.