Contents
Description
Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the sundew family. It is native to Western Australia and is known for its ability to trap and digest insects. The plant’s leaves are covered in sticky hairs that trap insects, which are then digested by enzymes secreted by the plant. The plant’s scientific name is derived from the Greek words “droseros,” meaning “dewy,” and “erythrorhiza,” meaning “red-rooted.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa has a rosette of leaves that grow up to 4 cm in diameter. The leaves are covered in red, glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage. The plant produces white, pink, or purple flowers that grow on a spike up to 30 cm tall. The flowers have five petals and bloom in the summer.
Care Guide
Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa requires specific care to thrive.
- Water: The plant should be watered with distilled or rainwater, as tap water can be too hard and contain minerals that can harm the plant.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from insects.
- Soil: The plant should be planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite or sand, as it requires a nutrient-poor, acidic soil.
- Sunlight: The plant should be grown in full sun or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can be grown in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Aphids: Aphids can infest the plant and suck the sap, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can also infest the plant, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or grown in poorly-drained soil. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of the leaves. The plant should be repotted in fresh soil, and watering should be reduced.
Habitat
Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa is native to Western Australia and grows in sandy, nutrient-poor soils. The plant can be found in damp areas such as bogs, swamps, and seepages.
Question and Answer
- Q: Can Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa be grown indoors?
- A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under artificial lights.
- Q: How often should I water my Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa?
- A: The plant should be watered when the soil starts to dry out, usually every 2-3 days.
- Q: Does Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa require a dormancy period?
- A: Yes, the plant requires a dormancy period in the winter, during which it should be kept cool and dry.
- Q: Can I propagate Drosera Erythrorhiza Subsp. Squamosa?
- A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rosette or by leaf cuttings.
Related Plants
- Drosera spatulata
- Drosera adelae
- Drosera capensis
- Drosera binata
References
- “Drosera erythrorhiza subsp. squamosa.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2004/drosera-erythrorhiza-subsp-squamosa.html.
- “Drosera erythrorhiza subsp. squamosa.” The International Carnivorous Plant Society. Retrieved from https://www.carnivorousplants.org/grow/guides/Drosera/erythrorhizasquamosa.
- “Drosera erythrorhiza subsp. squamosa.” Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_erythrorhiza_subsp._squamosa.
