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Description
Drosera Kaieteurensis, also known as the Kaieteur Sundew, is a carnivorous plant native to the Kaieteur Plateau in South America. It belongs to the Droseraceae family and is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 30cm tall. The Kaieteur Sundew is known for its ability to capture and digest insects using its sticky tentacle-like leaves, which are covered in reddish hairs that glisten in the sunlight.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Caryophyllales | Droseraceae | Drosera |
Appearance
The leaves of the Drosera Kaieteurensis are arranged in a rosette and are circular in shape, growing up to 5cm in diameter. Each leaf has tentacle-like structures that secrete a sticky substance to attract and capture insects. The leaves are covered in reddish hairs that give them a distinctive appearance. The Kaieteur Sundew produces small, white flowers that bloom on a long stem.
Care Guide
The Drosera Kaieteurensis requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this carnivorous plant:- Water: The Kaieteur Sundew requires constant moisture, so keep the soil moist at all times. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup that can harm the plant.- Fertilization: Do not fertilize the plant as it can damage the leaves. The Kaieteur Sundew obtains all its nutrients from the insects it captures.- Soil: Use a mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite to create a well-draining soil for the plant.- Sunlight: The Kaieteur Sundew requires full sunlight to thrive, so place it in a sunny location.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is only hardy to USDA zones 10-11 and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
While the Kaieteur Sundew is a carnivorous plant, it can still fall victim to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These insects can damage the leaves and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.- Fungal infections: Overwatering and poor air circulation can lead to fungal infections. Remove the infected leaves and improve the plant’s growing conditions.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause discoloration and webbing on the leaves. Use a miticide to control the infestation.
Habitat
The Drosera Kaieteurensis is native to the Kaieteur Plateau in South America, where it grows in moist, sandy soils. It prefers areas with high humidity and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Kaieteur Sundew be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is kept moist.
Q: Can the Kaieteur Sundew be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, cuttings can be taken from the plant and rooted in a well-draining soil mix.
Q: How often should the Kaieteur Sundew be fed insects?
A: The plant should be fed insects regularly, preferably once a week or more often if possible.
Q: Can the Kaieteur Sundew be grown in a terrarium?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a terrarium as long as the container has good air circulation and is not sealed.
Related Plants
– Drosera Capensis- Drosera Filiformis- Drosera Intermedia- Drosera Aliciae
References
– “Drosera Kaieteurensis.” International Carnivorous Plant Society, https://www.carnivorousplants.org/grow/guides/D_kaieteurensis.- “Drosera Kaieteurensis.” The Plant List, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2773826.
