Troubleshooting
Western Sundew problems — and how to fix them
Western Sundew (Drosera occidentalis) 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.
Stipule bud loss in summer
If kept wet during the summer rest the dormant stipule bud rots; this is the most common cause of plant death — the pot must be kept dry and warm from late spring until first autumn rains (or the equivalent in cultivation).
Failure to produce gemmae
Gemmae production is triggered by short winter photoperiods; plants kept under long artificial daylengths year-round may not produce gemmae — reduce the photoperiod to 10 hours in early winter to stimulate gemma production.
Prevent western sundew problems before they start
Most western sundew issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Western Sundew problems — FAQ
Why is my western sundew stipule bud loss in summer?
If kept wet during the summer rest the dormant stipule bud rots; this is the most common cause of plant death — the pot must be kept dry and warm from late spring until first autumn rains (or the equivalent in cultivation).
Why is my western sundew failure to produce gemmae?
Gemmae production is triggered by short winter photoperiods; plants kept under long artificial daylengths year-round may not produce gemmae — reduce the photoperiod to 10 hours in early winter to stimulate gemma production.