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Description
Drosera Peltata, commonly known as the Sundew Plant, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Droseraceae family. It is native to the wetlands and bogs of Australia and New Zealand. The plant is named after its leaves, which appear to have dewdrops or droplets on them, giving them a beautiful and unique appearance. The Sundew Plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It has a small rosette of leaves that are covered with sticky tentacles that capture insects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The Sundew Plant has a small rosette of leaves that are usually green or reddish-green in color. The leaves are covered with sticky tentacles that have droplets of mucilage at their tips to capture insects. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that grow on a stem above the leaves. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall.
Care Guide
The Sundew Plant is relatively easy to care for and is an excellent addition to any carnivorous plant collection. Here are some care tips:Water: The Sundew Plant requires consistently moist soil. Use distilled water or rainwater to water the plant, as tap water can contain minerals that can harm the plant.Fertilization: The Sundew Plant does not require fertilizer, as it gets its nutrients from the insects it captures.Soil: The Sundew Plant prefers a well-draining soil that is a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite.Sunlight: The Sundew Plant requires bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.Hardiness Zones: The Sundew Plant is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sundew Plant is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. To prevent these diseases, make sure to keep the leaves dry and avoid overcrowding the plant. If you notice any signs of disease, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Sundew Plant is native to the wetlands and bogs of Australia and New Zealand. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. The Sundew Plant is often found growing in the same areas as other carnivorous plants like the Venus Flytrap and Pitcher Plant.
Question and Answer
Q: How do Sundew Plants capture insects?A: Sundew Plants capture insects by using their sticky tentacles. When an insect lands on the leaf, the tentacles fold inwards, trapping the insect in the sticky mucilage.Q: Can you grow Sundew Plants indoors?A: Yes, Sundew Plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive enough bright, indirect sunlight and are kept in a consistently moist environment.Q: How often should you water a Sundew Plant?A: Sundew Plants require consistently moist soil. Water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, but do not let the soil dry out completely.Q: How long do Sundew Plants live?A: Sundew Plants can live for several years if they are well-cared for.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Sundew Plant:
- Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
- Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia spp.)
- Butterwort (Pinguicula spp.)
- Sundew (Drosera spp.)
References
- “Drosera peltata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 21, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287397.
- “Sundew Plant (Drosera peltata).” World of Succulents. Accessed July 21, 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/sundew-plant-drosera-peltata/.
- “Growing Sundews.” Carnivorous Plant Resource. Accessed July 21, 2021. https://www.carnivorousplantresource.com/growing-sundews/.
