Contents
Description
Drosera, commonly known as sundews, is a genus of carnivorous plants that belong to the Droseraceae family. These plants are native to every continent except Antarctica and are known for their unique ability to capture insects with their sticky leaves. The leaves of Drosera are covered in small hairs that exude a sticky substance to attract and trap insects. Once an insect is caught, the leaves curl around it, and the plant secretes digestive enzymes to break down the prey and absorb its nutrients.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
Drosera plants come in a variety of sizes, from tiny rosettes to large shrubs. They have long, slender leaves that are covered in sticky hairs. The leaves can be green, red, or a combination of both, depending on the species. Drosera produces delicate, five-petaled flowers that range in color from white to pink to purple. These flowers bloom in the summer and fall and are held on long stems that rise above the leaves.
Care Guide
Drosera plants require specific growing conditions to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for them:- Water: Drosera prefers distilled water or rainwater. Do not use tap water, as it contains minerals that can harm the plant.- Fertilization: Drosera does not require fertilization, as it gets all its nutrients from the insects it captures.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is low in nutrients, such as a mixture of sphagnum moss and perlite.- Sunlight: Drosera requires full sun to grow properly. Place it in a south-facing window or under grow lights.- Hardiness Zones: Drosera is hardy in zones 8-10. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow it as a houseplant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drosera plants are generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can occasionally be affected by fungus gnats, spider mites, and aphids. To prevent these pests, make sure to keep the soil moist and avoid over-fertilizing. If you do notice pests, treat the plant with an organic insecticide or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Drosera can be found in a variety of habitats, including bogs, fens, and wetlands. They thrive in moist, nutrient-poor soils and require high humidity to grow properly. Some species of Drosera are adapted to living in nutrient-poor soils by capturing and digesting insects.
Question and Answer
Q: How do you propagate Drosera plants?
A: Drosera plants can be propagated by dividing the root ball or by taking leaf cuttings. To take a leaf cutting, cut a leaf from the plant and place it in a pot of moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect light until it roots and begins to grow.
Q: Can you grow Drosera outdoors?
A: Yes, Drosera can be grown outdoors in warmer climates. They require full sun and moist soil to grow properly.
Q: Do Drosera plants go dormant?
A: Yes, some species of Drosera go dormant during the winter months. During this time, the plant will stop producing new leaves and its leaves will die back. To care for a dormant plant, reduce watering and move it to a cooler location until new growth appears in the spring.
Q: How often should you water Drosera plants?
A: Drosera plants require moist soil at all times. Water them whenever the soil begins to dry out, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Related Plants
Here are some other carnivorous plants that are related to Drosera:- Sarracenia- Nepenthes- Pinguicula- Dionaea- Utricularia
References
– “Drosera.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2021.- “Growing Sundews: How to Care for Sundew Plants.” Gardening Know How. N.p., 24 Feb. 2021. Web. 10 Apr. 2021.- “Sundew Plant: Care and Growing Guide.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Yankee Publishing, Inc., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2021.
