Troubleshooting
Slender-Leaved Sundew problems — and how to fix them
Slender-Leaved Sundew (Drosera linearis) 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.
Failure without cold dormancy
D. linearis is a cold-temperate species requiring 3–5 months of winter dormancy at 2–8°C. Without it, plants exhaust themselves and die within 1–2 years. Move to an unheated greenhouse, cold frame, or refrigerator in winter.
Leaf die-back in acidic peat
This species is atypically sensitive to overly acidic substrates. If grown in standard peat-perlite sundew mix, leaves may yellow and die. Switch to live sphagnum or a near-neutral sand mix with some calcareous material.
Fungal crown rot
Poor air circulation, especially during cool dormancy, causes grey mould (Botrytis). Ensure ventilation and avoid wetting the crown directly; remove dead leaves promptly.
Prevent slender-leaved sundew problems before they start
Most slender-leaved sundew issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for slender-leaved sundew in general rather than its problems? Read the full slender-leaved sundew care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Slender-Leaved Sundew problems — FAQ
Why is my slender-leaved sundew failure without cold dormancy?
D. linearis is a cold-temperate species requiring 3–5 months of winter dormancy at 2–8°C. Without it, plants exhaust themselves and die within 1–2 years. Move to an unheated greenhouse, cold frame, or refrigerator in winter.
Why is my slender-leaved sundew leaf die-back in acidic peat?
This species is atypically sensitive to overly acidic substrates. If grown in standard peat-perlite sundew mix, leaves may yellow and die. Switch to live sphagnum or a near-neutral sand mix with some calcareous material.
Why is my slender-leaved sundew fungal crown rot?
Poor air circulation, especially during cool dormancy, causes grey mould (Botrytis). Ensure ventilation and avoid wetting the crown directly; remove dead leaves promptly.