I have tried out not using water tray technic for my sarras and drosera and VFTs. I found out that the water tray is actually a method to save time and effort. From my point of view, it is not neccesary to have a water tray completely if you always water your plant, but it is MORE convenient.
I think your paradoxa needs more light. Mine didn't grow much until I gave it more sunlight. Now it is large, almost twice the size of a fifty cents. I grow my drosera in peat and perlite in an undrained container while some drosera I grow in LFS. If you use peat and perlite mix, I suggest you use an undrained container or keep in high levels if water tray.
My nep seeds also has no progress, have to be patient
Cheers