Why does your Drosera have sticky leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The sticky substance, known as mucilage, is a natural feature of Drosera used to trap and digest insects. It is produced by specialized glandular tentacles on the leaf surface.
When humidity levels drop too low, the mucilage can dry up or become less viscous, making the leaves appear less 'sticky' or even crusty. This is often caused by insufficient water in the substrate or dry air.
High levels of dissolved minerals from tap water can interfere with the plant's ability to produce healthy mucilage. This often results in dull-looking, less sticky leaves or even leaf tip burn.