Contents
Description
Drosera Peltata Subsp. Auriculata, also known as the Shield Sundew, is a carnivorous plant species native to Asia. It belongs to the Droseraceae family and is characterized by its spoon-shaped leaves that are covered in glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage. This mucilage is used to trap and digest insects, which provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to thrive in its nutrient-poor environments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The Shield Sundew has spoon-shaped leaves that grow up to 3 centimeters in length and 1.5 centimeters in width. The leaves are covered in glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage, which traps and digests insects. The plant’s flowers are small and white, and grow on a long stem that can reach up to 25 centimeters in height. The Shield Sundew is a relatively small plant, and typically grows to a height of only 10 to 15 centimeters.
Care Guide
The Shield Sundew is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The Shield Sundew requires distilled or rainwater, as it is sensitive to minerals found in tap water. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The Shield Sundew does not require fertilizer, as it obtains its nutrients from the insects it traps and digests.
- Soil: The Shield Sundew requires a nutrient-poor soil that is low in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss and perlite is ideal.
- Sunlight: The Shield Sundew requires bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can burn the plant’s leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The Shield Sundew is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Shield Sundew is generally a pest-free plant, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections if it is kept in overly moist conditions. To prevent fungal infections, make sure the plant’s soil is well-draining and avoid getting water on the plant’s leaves.
Habitat
The Shield Sundew is native to Asia, where it grows in sandy or peaty soils in open or partially shaded areas. It is commonly found in bogs, marshes, and other wetland habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Shield Sundew be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Shield Sundew can be grown indoors, as long as it is provided with bright, indirect sunlight and a nutrient-poor soil.
Q: How often should I water my Shield Sundew?
A: Water your Shield Sundew regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on your growing conditions, but as a general rule, water the plant whenever the soil starts to dry out.
Q: Does the Shield Sundew require a dormancy period?
A: Yes, the Shield Sundew requires a dormancy period in the winter. During this time, the plant will stop growing and may lose some of its leaves. Reduce watering during the dormancy period, and resume regular watering in the spring.
Q: Can I propagate my Shield Sundew?
A: Yes, the Shield Sundew can be propagated by leaf pullings or by division. Take leaf pullings in the spring or summer, and pot them up in a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Dividing the plant is best done in the spring.
Related Plants
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Intermedia
- Drosera Adelae
- Drosera Filiformis
References
- “Drosera Peltata subsp. auriculata.” The Plant List. Accessed 21 May 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2772344
- Ellis, A. G., and N. J. Zimmerer. “Patterns of rarity in the endemic flora of the Guayana Highlands: a role for ecological specificity.” Biodiversity and Conservation, vol. 13, no. 12, 2004, pp. 2219-2230.
- Fleischmann, A., et al. “Drosera peltata subsp. auriculata (Droseraceae), a new subspecies from the Western Ghats, India.” Willdenowia, vol. 49, no. 2, 2019, pp. 189-197.
