Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Move the plant to a location with more direct sun.
- Check if the plant is receiving at least 6 hours of light.
- Observe if the leaves are turning redder after moving to a brighter spot.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are stretching out, the leaves are pale green, and the plant lacks the red coloration it usually displays. It may also stop producing sticky mucilage.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. If you are growing indoors, place it under a strong LED grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day.
High temperatures
PossibleHow to tell: The plant grows rapidly but weakly, resulting in thin, elongated stems. This often happens when the plant is kept in a warm, low light environment.
What to do: Lower the ambient temperature if possible, or increase the light intensity to match the heat. Ensure the plant has good airflow to prevent overheating.
When to worry
It is not an emergency, but your plant will be less healthy and less capable of catching prey if it stays leggy. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the very start of the growing season.
Stopping it coming back
Provide the maximum amount of direct sunlight the plant can handle throughout the growing season. Use a grow light if your windows do not provide enough intensity.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your round leaved sundew.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the leggy stems?
- You can trim them, but it is better to fix the light issue first. The plant will eventually grow new, healthy leaves from the center.
- Is my plant dying?
- No, it is just stressed from low light. It will recover quickly once it gets the sun it needs.
More problems with Round leaved sundew
Back to the Round leaved sundew guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.