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Description
Drosera Glabripes, commonly known as the Smooth Sundew, is a carnivorous plant native to Western Australia. It belongs to the family Droseraceae and is one of the several species of the Drosera genus. This plant is unique in that it has sticky leaves that trap and digest insects to obtain nutrients that are otherwise scarce in its habitat. It is a small plant that grows up to 20 cm in height and has a rosette of leaves at its base.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
Drosera Glabripes has a small rosette of leaves that are circular in shape and range from 1 to 3 cm in diameter. The leaves are covered in sticky tentacles that appear dew-like, hence the name “Sundew”. The leaves are green in color and have a shiny texture. The flowers of the plant are pink in color and bloom in spring and summer. The plant produces small black seeds that can be collected and propagated to grow new plants.
Care Guide
Drosera Glabripes is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some guidelines to help you take care of your Smooth Sundew:
- Water: The plant requires constant moisture. It is recommended to keep the soil moist at all times, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it obtains all its nutrients from the insects it traps.
- Soil: The plant prefers acidic soil that is low in nutrients. A mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite is a good choice for the soil.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sunlight to thrive. It is recommended to keep it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drosera Glabripes is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that you might encounter:
- Aphids: These insects can damage the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fungus: The plant is susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too wet. To prevent fungus, make sure the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Drosera Glabripes is native to Western Australia, where it grows in sandy soils that are low in nutrients. It is commonly found in heathlands, woodlands, and swamps. The plant is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Drosera Glabripes a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Drosera Glabripes is a good plant for beginners as it is easy to care for and does not require fertilization.
Q: Can I grow Drosera Glabripes indoors?
A: Yes, Drosera Glabripes can be grown indoors as long as it receives sufficient sunlight and constant moisture.
Q: How often should I water my Drosera Glabripes?
A: The soil should be kept constantly moist, so water the plant as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: How can I propagate my Drosera Glabripes?
A: Drosera Glabripes can be propagated by collecting and planting the small black seeds produced by the plant.
Related Plants
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Binata
- Drosera Adelae
- Drosera Aliciae
References
- “Drosera Glabripes.” International Carnivorous Plant Society, www.carnivorousplants.org/cp/Drosera/glabripes.
- “Drosera Glabripes.” Plant Care Today, 27 June 2021, plantcaretoday.com/drosera-glabripes.
- “Smooth Sundew.” Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2021, anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2018/drosera-glabripes.html.
