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Description
Drosera Cistiflora, commonly known as the Rock Sundew, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Drosera family. It is native to Australia, where it grows in sandy and rocky areas. This plant is known for its ability to attract and digest insects through its sticky leaves, which are covered in red tentacle-like structures called tentacles. These tentacles produce a sticky mucilage that traps insects, and enzymes that digest them.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The Drosera Cistiflora has a rosette of leaves that grow up to 1 inch in diameter. The leaves are green and oval-shaped, with a red margin and a sticky surface covered in tentacles. The flowers of this plant are small and pinkish-white, and they bloom in the summer. The stem of this plant is short and produces a basal rosette of leaves.
Care Guide
Water: The Drosera Cistiflora requires distilled water or rainwater, as it is sensitive to minerals found in tap water. Keep the soil moist at all times, but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from the insects it traps.
Soil: The Drosera Cistiflora requires a well-draining soil mix that is low in nutrients. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal.
Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to partial shade. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window.
Hardiness Zones: The Drosera Cistiflora is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Drosera Cistiflora is generally pest-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew if the soil is kept too moist. To prevent these diseases, ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging the soil.
Habitat
The Drosera Cistiflora is native to Australia, where it grows in sandy and rocky areas. It prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Drosera Cistiflora be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Drosera Cistiflora can be grown indoors if it is provided with adequate sunlight and a suitable soil mix.
Q: How often should I water my Drosera Cistiflora?
A: The Drosera Cistiflora requires constant moisture, so you should water it whenever the soil starts to dry out.
Q: Can the Drosera Cistiflora be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the Drosera Cistiflora can be propagated from leaf cuttings or division of the plant.
Q: How long does it take for the Drosera Cistiflora to flower?
A: The Drosera Cistiflora typically flowers in the summer, after it has formed a rosette of leaves.
Related Plants
- Drosera Binata
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Filiformis
- Drosera Intermedia
References
- “Drosera cistiflora.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2008/drosera-cistiflora.html
- “Drosera cistiflora.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9661/drosera-cistiflora/details
- “Drosera cistiflora.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_cistiflora
