What’s the best method to water your Spoon-leaved sundew?
One way to keep your Spoon-leaved sundew adequately moistened is to grow it in a pot with good drainage holes and in a plastic dish or tray that will allow you to fill it to about a third to half an inch of water. This will naturally draw water from the pot to the roots as the soil dries.Don’t let the dish dry out completely and adjust how much you add based on how quickly the plant draws the water into its roots. Pots made from hardened clay called terra cotta are not suitable for growing the Spoon-leaved sundew unless you place the pot inside a second, bigger pot. The terra cotta will allow water to seep through and filter out dissolved solids. Put the water only in the second, outer pot. The most important thing in watering your Spoon-leaved sundew adequately is the mineral content of the water you use. Collect rainwater if you can for your Spoon-leaved sundew. It is the safest of any water to use on plants. Distilled water and water from a reverse osmosis system are good alternatives. You can use purified water which also works but has some minerals in it but in a range the Spoon-leaved sundew tolerate. Tap water with lower than 50 parts per million of total dissolved solids is safe. You can buy a meter to measure that for just a little money. You’ll want to fill your watering device 24 hours before you use it to give the chlorine a chance to off-gas from the water.
What should I do if I water Spoon-leaved sundew too much/too little?
Symptoms of an overwatered Spoon-leaved sundew are brown spots forming on the undersides of leaves, white mold developing in the soil, and a general wilted look. The wilted look comes from the plant’s inability to draw water into the stem. Overwatering can cause root rot. If it’s rotted, and smells bad, you’ll want to remove the plant from its soil, rinse it with distilled water, cut away the rotted roots and affected leaves, rinse it again with distilled water, and replant in new soil. The leaves of an underwatered plant will become brittle. Cut away affected leaves, make sure the soil is damp, and mist the leaves. For underwatered Spoon-leaved sundew, the plant will gradually recover by resuming watering as soon as possible, but due to root damage, yellow leaves will dry out in the short term.
How often should I water my Spoon-leaved sundew?
Tray method is the most common way of watering insectivorous plants. Potting Spoon-leaved sundew in something with several drainage holes and placing that in a dish or tray filled about one-third with water will allow the plant to naturally draw water up as the soil dries. Add water promptly after the water level drops. Don’t let the dish dry out completely. This will give you a better sense of how often the plants are watered. The Spoon-leaved sundew is native to humid environment, so you’ll need to strike the right balance between watering to the point of developing root rot and letting the soil dry out . During the active seasons – spring to autumn – don’t let the soil dry out. Water your Spoon-leaved sundew 2-3 times per week in spring and fall, and more frequent watering in summer to keep the soil mosit. Spoon-leaved sundew goes dormant when during the winter and early spring. If you care for one the same way that you care for it during its active season, you will likely kill it. You’ll need to cut back on the amount that you water it. Try letting some of the soil dry out as well as letting the water level in the tray dry out for a few days before adding more. If you live where the air is naturally dry, you may find that misting it above and beyond what you feed it is necessary to replicate its natural humid growing conditions. It works best to do this in the morning. Proper water spraying is very necessary for areas with a dry environment.
How much water does my Spoon-leaved sundew need?
Spoon-leaved sundew normally lives in humid environment and are prized as houseplants because they one of a handful of carnivorous plants. Successfully keeping one alive will require that you need to replicate its native growing conditions. Maintaining high humidity levels is key to growing a thriving Spoon-leaved sundew. The places these plants naturally thrive are high in humidity and low in nutrients. If you live in a place with naturally high humidity, you can grow them outdoors in a bog garden. A bog garden is a unique way to present plants that require lots of humidity together. Most people grow them as houseplants. Use a pot that will retain moisture to cut down on the number of waterings you need to do. Plastic is much better for this than terra cotta. A self-watering pot works best of all. As an insectivorous plant, the tray method is the most effective way to replenish water. Make sure that the water level in the tray pots spreads over the small hole at the bottom. Add water in time before the water level drops and the trays dry out. The amount of water added is the amount of water the plants need to keep the pots from drying out, so your Spoon-leaved sundew can keep growing well.
Should I water Spoon-leaved sundew differently when I plant it indoors but not outdoors?
Spoon-leaved sundew growns indoor will generally requires less water because they receive less sunlight. The more light it receives, the more water it’ll require to grow. Adequate light and water are the basis for keeping them healthy. But, you’ll still want to maintain a humid environment for an indoor plant. A good option for maintaining humid conditions is to grow them in a terrarium or as part of a plant display in an aquarium. The encased sides will keep vital humid air from escaping. Just make sure you maintain good circulation.
How much sunlight does Spoon-leaved sundew need to grow?
Spoon-leaved sundew should get at least 6 hours of sun per day, and preferably more. An actual minimum number of hours can vary depending on the intensity of sunlight and other environmental factors, but it is unlikely that the Spoon-leaved sundew will get too much sunlight. They do fine with up to 14 hours of sun per day.
What type of sunlight does Spoon-leaved sundew need?
Spoon-leaved sundew needs a lot of bright sunlight. As full-sun plants, they can thrive when given direct light or bright indirect sun. Some types may be able to survive with partial sun, but more sunlight is generally better.
Should I protect Spoon-leaved sundew from sun exposure?
Spoon-leaved sundew usually grows in some of the hottest, sunniest places in the world and is well adapted to that kind of environment, so it does not need to be protected from the sun. However, you should be careful about making a sudden move into a very sunny location if your Spoon-leaved sundew is not used to it. Plants need time to adapt to different conditions, so start by moving this plant into the sun for a couple of hours at a time each day, then gradually lengthen the amount of sun exposure. Once adapted, most types of Spoon-leaved sundew will be fine in full sun and don't need protection.
What will happen if Spoon-leaved sundew doesn't get enough sunlight?
Without enough sunlight, Spoon-leaved sundew will fail to thrive and grow. Common symptoms of inadequate sunlight include pale coloring, wilting leaves, and leaf drop. Spoon-leaved sundew may also exhibit etiolation (also called legginess). This condition occurs as the plant attempts to stretch toward the light source, leading to a sparse appearance and weak stems.
What will happen if Spoon-leaved sundew gets too much sunlight?
Spoon-leaved sundew may develop shades of red, pink, or orange as a means of protection from excess sunlight, so many people like to cause mild sun stress to these plants during the summer. This is not harmful, and they will revert to their normal coloring when light levels decrease from autumn to spring. If moved too quickly into direct sun, Spoon-leaved sundew can suffer from sunburn. This looks like white or brown spots on the uppermost leaves that have been exposed to the most sun. A sunburned plant should be moved to a shadier location and watered if needed. Sun-damaged leaves can be removed, and should be replaced by new growth over time.
Does Spoon-leaved sundew need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
As with most plants, younger Spoon-leaved sundew will be more sensitive to strong sunlight and heat than a mature specimen. They should also be protected from direct sun immediately after being transplanted, either by a shade or by keeping the container in a shadier location until the plant is established and putting out new growth.
Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Spoon-leaved sundew?
It is best to water Spoon-leaved sundew in the morning, particularly during the summer months. If water sits on the leaves or in the crown of the plant, it can burn the plant when the water heats up. It’s also best not to water in the evening, since cooler overnight temperatures slow evaporation and fungi or bacteria can develop in the moist conditions. Spoon-leaved sundew grown in pots should be rotated occasionally to keep them growing symmetrically. Plants will normally grow toward the light source, so they can develop much more quickly on one side than the other if they are not rotated. If Spoon-leaved sundew is allowed to get dusty, it will not be able to access sunlight to create energy. The dust acts as a barrier, so the plant may show signs of inadequate light even if it’s in a sunny location. Keep the leaves and stems clean by wiping them periodically with a damp cloth to avoid this issue.
What's the ideal temperature for your Spoon-leaved sundew?
It is more suitable to keep the Spoon-leaved sundew in a particular range of conditions. Temperatures the same as 75-90℉ (25-32℃) are ideal for it. During the early winter season, the temperature shouldn't go below 75℉(25℃) for Spoon-leaved sundew. You can even move it indoors as it will have better protection from the extremes. Despite that, the Spoon-leaved sundew can survive in some extreme temperatures. Sometimes can survive in low temperatures like 50℉ (15℃), but it is not ideal. You should bring it inside if winter conditions are expected outside.
How should I adjust the temperature for my Spoon-leaved sundew during different growing phases?
Spoon-leaved sundew has different growing phases. In the first stage, the dormant seed grows and transforms into a seedling. The dormant seeds need the appropriate conditions in their surroundings to grow as their seeds need a temperature of 75-90℉ (25-32℃) to germinate. The ideal time to make it grow vigorously is during the summer, as the most suitable temperature is around 85℉(30℃). You can adjust the placement of your Spoon-leaved sundew from indoors to sunlight during the hot summer months to receive enough sunlight.
How can I keep my Spoon-leaved sundew warm in cold seasons?
It's advisable to bring your Spoon-leaved sundew indoors to avoid the harsh winter conditions. People opt to buy different types of grow light to provide enough sunlight for the plant. However, if your home is not extremely dark, it is not essential to buy these lights. Keep your plants where they will get the most sunlight possible. There should be sufficient light to keep the Spoon-leaved sundew thriving in winter. If you have several Spoon-leaved sundew, then keep them rotating so that they all receive enough sunlight. Avoid placing your Spoon-leaved sundew too close to the window if you live in northern areas with frigid weather. The cold may be extreme to them, due to which they might get damaged.
What happens to my Spoon-leaved sundew when the temperature is too high or too low?
Your Spoon-leaved sundew can grow better in summers and do better in warm temperatures 90℉(32℃) but you should protect it from temperature extremes during hot climates. However, during winter, it is better to keep your plant dry. Spoon-leaved sundew do well in temperate climates having temperatures between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). However, some gardeners can expose their Spoon-leaved sundew to extreme temperatures causing stress in their plants. While high temperatures ranging between 90℉ and 95℉(32-35℃) can help maintain the deep colors for Spoon-leaved sundew, you must be careful when trying out such experiment. During the hot summer season extremely high temperatures can burn your Spoon-leaved sundew damaging their stem and root system. During the hottest time of the day (when the temperature is extremely high), consider relocating your plant to a shaded place or protect them with a shade cloth.
How should I adjust the temperature for my Spoon-leaved sundew in different seasons?
In summers, high temperatures make the growth of Spoon-leaved sundew slowed down to survive in too hot a temperature. As the cooler periods and rainfall begins, the Spoon-leaved sundew starts growing. If the place you live in has hot summers and warm winters with more rainfalls, you aren't required to change anything. However, if you live in a place with cold winters, you should let your Spoon-leaved sundew grow more in summer and rest in winter. It is because there is not enough sunlight for Spoon-leaved sundew to grow in winter. You can help your Spoon-leaved sundew enter dormancy if you live in a place with cold temperatures by decreasing the temperature to 50℉ to 75℉ (15℃ to 25℃).
How can I keep my Spoon-leaved sundew warm without a heating pad?
To withstand freezing temperatures outside, as a solution, you can insulate your Spoon-leaved sundew with frost cloths, row covers, tents etc. You can also mulch your Spoon-leaved sundew with small rocks. Mulching the Spoon-leaved sundew soil will provide warmth to your plants and will not let you over-water the plant.
How can I protect my Spoon-leaved sundew from temperature damage?
Spoon-leaved sundew is adapted to sunlight and requires sufficient sunlight for healthy growth. You can place it in an outdoor environment without any shade. However, Spoon-leaved sundew shouldn't be kept for a long time in the blazing sunlight in the hot summer when it requires to be put under shade so that extreme temperature doesn't damage them. If the winter is extreme in our area, you must keep your Spoon-leaved sundew indoors to keep them away from frost.
What are the tips and precautions for keeping my Spoon-leaved sundew at the right temperature?
Increase water and fertilizer during the growth of plants in spring and summer. Prevent your plant from receiving too much sunlight. To cool plants, spray water around them when the temperature is exceptionally high but don't put water on their stem.
Why do I need to fertilize my Spoon-leaved sundew?
Fertilizing Spoon-leaved sundew adds nutrients to the growing medium. Even though it does store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season helps support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage mature specimens to produce blooms in the growing season.
When is the best time to fertilize my Spoon-leaved sundew?
While all plants benefit from additional nutrients, Spoon-leaved sundew only needs a light dose of fertilizer during the growing season. The frequency of fertilization should be 1-2 times a year. It is suggested to fertilize your Spoon-leaved sundew in the spring and autumn, but not in winter&summer when it is dormant. Be careful with repotted plants, you will want to reduce the amount of fertilizer. It’s also a good idea to wait a couple of months after repotting before you start applying fertilizer.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Spoon-leaved sundew?
Like most plants, Spoon-leaved sundew has a dormancy period and it is when you want to stop the applications of fertilizer. In the summer and winter, the plant ceases growing, and it is when you want to stop applying fertilizer. It’s also a good idea to cease fertilizing for the first couple of months after repotting in the spring.
What type of fertilizer does my Spoon-leaved sundew need?
It’s best to use a liquid plant food formulated for succulents and cacti when you are fertilizing Spoon-leaved sundew. Dilute the fertilizer with water to half-strength. You do not want the fertilizer building up in the soil. Apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant and water thoroughly, ensuring any excess moisture drains from the container or seeps into the ground.
How do I fertilize my Spoon-leaved sundew?
It is easier to use liquid plant food when you are fertilizing Spoon-leaved sundew, but granules are another option. Follow the directions on the packaging, making sure you dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength. Whether you are using granules are liquid plant food, always apply it to the soil. Cover the granules with a thin layer of soil and water regardless of the type of plant food you are using.
What happens if I fertilize my Spoon-leaved sundew too much?
Over-fertilizing Spoon-leaved sundew is a common problem with new and experienced gardeners. The plant has low nutritional needs and it’s easy to apply a little too much fertilizer. Over-fertilizing Spoon-leaved sundew can burn the plant’s sensitive roots resulting in its slow decay. Without its root system, the plant cannot absorb nutrients and moisture.