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Description
Drosera Pallida, commonly known as the Pale Sundew Plant, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the sundew family. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The plant is known for its ability to capture and digest insects using its sticky glandular hairs that cover its leaves.The Pale Sundew Plant is a small herbaceous perennial that grows up to 6 inches in height. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are arranged in a circular pattern. The leaves are spoon-shaped, and the edges are lined with red tentacles that secrete a sticky mucilage to attract and trap insects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
| Species | Drosera pallida |
Appearance
The Pale Sundew Plant has a unique appearance that makes it stand out among other plants. Its leaves are bright green, and the tentacles that line the edges of the leaves are red. The tentacles secrete a sticky mucilage that traps insects that land on the leaves. Once the insect is trapped, the tentacles curl inward, and the plant secretes enzymes that digest the insect.In the summer, the Pale Sundew Plant produces small white flowers on a tall stem that rises above the leaves. The flowers are about 1/4 inch in diameter and have five petals. They are pollinated by insects, and once pollinated, they develop into small capsules that contain many tiny seeds.
Care Guide
The Pale Sundew Plant requires specific care to thrive in a garden or container. Here are some care tips to ensure the plant stays healthy:
Water
The Pale Sundew Plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. It is important to use distilled or rainwater to avoid adding minerals and salts to the soil that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
The Pale Sundew Plant does not require fertilization since it can obtain all the necessary nutrients from the insects it captures.
Soil
The Pale Sundew Plant requires well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal for the plant.
Sunlight
The Pale Sundew Plant requires full sun to thrive. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Hardiness Zones
The Pale Sundew Plant can grow in hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pale Sundew Plant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can harm the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can feed on the plant’s sap and weaken it. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest the plant and cause damage to the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can infect the Pale Sundew Plant. It is important to avoid getting water on the leaves and to provide good air circulation to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
The Pale Sundew Plant is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It grows in wetlands, bogs, and other areas with high levels of moisture. The plant is also found in sandy soils that are low in nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Pale Sundew Plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Pale Sundew Plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is watered regularly with distilled or rainwater.
Q: How often should I feed my Pale Sundew Plant?
A: The Pale Sundew Plant does not require feeding since it can obtain all the necessary nutrients from the insects it captures.
Q: Can the Pale Sundew Plant survive in freezing temperatures?
A: No, the Pale Sundew Plant is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive in freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I repot my Pale Sundew Plant?
A: The Pale Sundew Plant should be repotted every 1-2 years to provide fresh soil and prevent the buildup of minerals and salts in the soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Pale Sundew Plant:- Drosera capensis- Drosera spatulata- Drosera binata- Drosera adelae- Drosera burmannii
References
– “Drosera Pallida.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287768&isprofile=0.- “Drosera.” International Carnivorous Plant Society, www.carnivorousplants.org/grow/guides/Drosera.
