Troubleshooting
Spoon-leaved Sundew problems — and how to fix them
Spoon-leaved Sundew (Drosera spatulata) 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.
Rosette turns all green and flat
Insufficient light. Move to direct sun or closer to a grow-light to restore red colour and dew.
Dew dries up
Hard water, low light, or the pot drying out. Use only rain/RO water and keep the tray topped up.
Surprise seedlings everywhere
Not a problem but it self-sows aggressively from spent flowers; remove flower stalks if you want to limit spread.
Mould or rot in a sealed terrarium
Stagnant air encourages fungus. Increase ventilation and avoid permanently sealed cases.
Prevent spoon-leaved sundew problems before they start
Most spoon-leaved sundew issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for spoon-leaved sundew in general rather than its problems? Read the full spoon-leaved sundew care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Spoon-leaved Sundew problems — FAQ
Why is my spoon-leaved sundew rosette turns all green and flat?
Insufficient light. Move to direct sun or closer to a grow-light to restore red colour and dew.
Why is my spoon-leaved sundew dew dries up?
Hard water, low light, or the pot drying out. Use only rain/RO water and keep the tray topped up.
Why is my spoon-leaved sundew surprise seedlings everywhere?
Not a problem but it self-sows aggressively from spent flowers; remove flower stalks if you want to limit spread.
Why is my spoon-leaved sundew mould or rot in a sealed terrarium?
Stagnant air encourages fungus. Increase ventilation and avoid permanently sealed cases.