FlyTrapCare Forums

Hey all,

Just started propagating more sundews for fun (trying out my spatulata this time!), and I was wondering, what is the lighting requirement for doing so? My capensis attempt took like 2 months before it struck, but for that one I only had it near a really weak glow light.

I have some space under my LED Yescom 225, so I was wondering if I move my spatulata leaf pullings under there, would they maybe strike faster? They're like a foot below the lights, so I think they won't overheat or anything.

I would dip the leaves all the way in the water so they are submerged, I left my LCs under a windowsill, they don't need that much light, but the light you're using should be fine.

The Yescom lights i meant.

I put cut leaves for propagation in the same light level as I use for growing Sundews.
Lotsa, Lotsa, Lotsa, light.
Just my 02¢ worth.

Carnies wrote:I would dip the leaves all the way in the water so they are submerged, I left my LCs under a windowsill, they don't need that much light, but the light you're using should be fine.

Definitely push them into the water more. They don't need too much light, as long as you use a TON of maxsea.

thepitchergrower wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 1:23 am They don't need too much light, as long as you use a TON of maxsea.

I don't think the seedbank has 2,000 pounds of Maxsea.

Ah, whatever, just use a lot.

thepitchergrower wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 1:23 am

Carnies wrote:I would dip the leaves all the way in the water so they are submerged, I left my LCs under a windowsill, they don't need that much light, but the light you're using should be fine.

Definitely push them into the water more. They don't need too much light, as long as you use a TON of maxsea.

Woah, I didn't know you could use Maxsea on leaf cuttings! How does that work? Just feed the leaves like normal, as if they were still on the plant?

I use max sea once the bud, and those buds produce Carnivorous leaves.

thepitchergrower wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 1:58 am I use max sea once the bud, and those buds produce Carnivorous leaves.

Ah very cool! Also, do you know if the leaves need to face tentacle side up in the water, or does it not matter? I just remember reading people saying to keep them face up but I had no idea if this mattered lol

I submerge the entire leaf in a jar of water and keep it under the same lights as the plants themselves.

Not wanting to hijack the thread or anything but I gotta ask. Has anyone experienced the leaf cutting melting while in water? It would turn transparent and melt slowly. It doesn't happen to all cuttings it's completely random. Anyone know why it happens? All the cuttings are treated the same in sterile tubes, distilled water, bright light.

Thats the leaf rotting. Possibly from unclean water, or bacteria on the leaf. Bacteria or mold on the leaf could come from old food.

Panman wrote:I submerge the entire leaf in a jar of water and keep it under the same lights as the plants themselves.

Do you know if it matters if the leaves are facing up or down? I always see instructions that are like "keep the tentacles facing up" but a lot of my leaves flip over after I dunk them into the water lol

I kept my cuttings in a bright windowsill or LED lighting and they took well. Plantlets generally come out of the top surface of the leaf, even if it is upside down. This was all propped on wet sphagnum.