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Description
Drosera Linearis, commonly known as the slender sundew, is a carnivorous plant species that belongs to the Droseraceae family. It is a small, herbaceous perennial that is native to Australia, growing up to 10 cm in height. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are covered in sticky tentacles, which trap and digest small insects. The flowers are pink or white and appear on a thin stem that rises above the leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The leaves of the Drosera Linearis are long and narrow, measuring up to 6 cm in length and 2 mm in width. The leaf color can vary from green to red, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. The leaves are covered in sticky tentacles, which secrete a digestive enzyme to break down the insects trapped on them. The flowers are pink or white and appear in the summer months on a thin stem that rises above the leaves. The plant usually grows up to 10 cm in height.
Care Guide
Drosera Linearis is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:Water: The plant needs to be kept moist at all times. It is recommended to use rainwater or distilled water, as tap water can contain minerals that can harm the plant.Fertilization: The plant does not need to be fertilized as it gets its nutrients from the insects it captures.Soil: The plant prefers a soil that is low in nutrients, such as a mixture of peat and sand.Sunlight: The plant needs to be grown in bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drosera Linearis is generally a pest and disease-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is not sitting in water and the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Drosera Linearis is native to the south-western and southern parts of Australia. It grows in sandy or gravelly soils in open shrubland, heathland, and woodland habitats. The plant is adapted to low-nutrient soils and is able to gain nutrients through its insect-catching abilities.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Drosera Linearis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright, well-lit area.Q: How often should I feed my Drosera Linearis?
A: The plant does not need to be fed as it gets its nutrients from the insects it catches.Q: How often should I water my Drosera Linearis?
A: The plant needs to be kept moist at all times. Water it when the soil feels dry to the touch.Q: How do I propagate Drosera Linearis?
A: The plant can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by dividing the plant during the growing season.
Related Plants
– Drosera Capensis- Drosera Burmannii- Drosera Binata- Drosera Indica
References
– “Drosera linearis.” PlantNet. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Drosera~linearis.- “Drosera linearis.” Australian Native Plants Society. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/d-lin.html.- “Growing Drosera.” International Carnivorous Plant Society. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.carnivorousplants.org/grow/guides/Drosera.
