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Description
Drosera Natalensis, also known as Natal Sundew, is a carnivorous plant native to South Africa. It is a perennial plant that grows in the wetlands, bogs, and marshes of the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. The plant is a member of the Droseraceae family and is well-known for its unique and intricate mechanism for catching prey. The leaves of Drosera Natalensis are covered with glandular hairs that produce a sticky secretion to capture insects. Once an insect lands on the leaf, it becomes trapped and is slowly digested by the plant’s enzymes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
Drosera Natalensis has a rosette of leaves that grow up to 12 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are covered with glandular hairs that produce a sticky secretion to trap insects. The flowers of the plant are produced on long stems that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. The flowers are small, pink or white, and have five petals. The plant’s root system is shallow and fibrous.
Care Guide
Drosera Natalensis is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as it is given the right growing conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid the buildup of minerals in the soil.
- Fertilization: Do not fertilize the plant, as it gets all its nutrients from the insects it captures.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is high in peat moss, perlite, and sand.
- Sunlight: Drosera Natalensis grows best in full sun to partial shade, but avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
- Hardiness Zones: Drosera Natalensis is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drosera Natalensis is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Root Rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet, and the roots become waterlogged. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant and cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil.
Habitat
Drosera Natalensis is native to South Africa, where it grows in the wetlands, bogs, and marshes of the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. The plant prefers moist soil and high humidity, but it can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Drosera Natalensis a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Drosera Natalensis is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Drosera Natalensis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Drosera Natalensis can be grown indoors as long as it is given enough light and humidity.
Q: Can Drosera Natalensis be propagated by leaf cuttings?
A: Yes, Drosera Natalensis can be propagated by leaf cuttings. Simply cut a leaf from the plant and place it on moist soil. New plants will grow from the base of the leaf.
Q: What is the best way to feed Drosera Natalensis?
A: Drosera Natalensis gets all its nutrients from the insects it captures. Do not feed the plant, as this can cause the leaves to rot.
Related Plants
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Binata
- Drosera Adelae
- Drosera Intermedia
References
- Barrett, S. (2010). Carnivorous plants of Southern Africa. Redfern Natural History Productions.
- Ellis, A. G., & Midgley, J. J. (1996). A new plant-animal mutualism involving a plant with sticky leaves and a resident hemipteran insect. Oecologia, 106(4), 478-481.
- International Carnivorous Plant Society. (2021). Drosera Natalensis. Retrieved from https://www.carnivorousplants.org/grow/guides/DNatalensis
