Contents
Description
Drosera Subhirtella, commonly known as the Sundew plant, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Droseraceae family. The Sundew plant is native to Australia and grows in damp and sandy soil. The plant is known for its unique feature of having sticky, glandular hairs on its leaves that trap and digest insects. The Sundew plant is a small, perennial herb that grows up to 15 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are arranged in a rosette and are covered in sticky hairs that secrete a digestive enzyme. The Sundew plant produces small, delicate pink or white flowers that bloom in summer and autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The Sundew plant has a unique appearance that is different from other plants. The leaves of the plant are covered in sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest insects. The leaves are arranged in a rosette and are green in color. The Sundew plant produces delicate pink or white flowers that bloom in summer and autumn. The plant grows up to 15 cm in height and is a small, perennial herb. The leaves of the Sundew plant are covered in a sticky substance that is used for trapping insects. The plant uses the nutrients from the insects to supplement its diet as it grows in nutrient-poor soil.
Care Guide
The Sundew plant is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Below is a care guide for the Sundew plant:
Water
The Sundew plant requires moist soil at all times. It is best to water the plant with distilled water or rainwater as tap water contains minerals that can harm the plant. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as this can harm the plant.
Fertilization
The Sundew plant does not require fertilization as it obtains most of its nutrients from the insects that it traps. However, if the plant is not producing new leaves, it may benefit from a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Soil
The Sundew plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss and sand is ideal for the plant as it grows in nutrient-poor soil in the wild. Do not use regular potting soil as it contains nutrients that can harm the plant.
Sunlight
The Sundew plant requires bright, indirect sunlight. Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves. The plant can be grown indoors near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Hardiness Zones
The Sundew plant is hardy in zones 7-11 and can be grown outdoors in these zones. If you live in a colder zone, it is best to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sundew plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too damp. If you notice any signs of fungal infection, such as black spots on the leaves, remove the affected leaves and reduce watering. The plant can also be affected by spider mites and aphids. If you notice any signs of infestation, such as webbing or discolored leaves, treat the plant with a neem oil spray.
Habitat
The Sundew plant is native to Australia and grows in damp and sandy soil. The plant can be found growing in bogs, swamps, and other wetland areas. The Sundew plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soil and obtains most of its nutrients from the insects that it traps.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Sundew plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Sundew plant can be grown indoors near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should the Sundew plant be watered?
A: The Sundew plant requires moist soil at all times. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: What is the best soil mix for the Sundew plant?
A: The Sundew plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss and sand is ideal for the plant.
Q: How often should the Sundew plant be fertilized?
A: The Sundew plant does not require fertilization as it obtains most of its nutrients from the insects that it traps.
Related Plants
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Aliciae
- Drosera Binata
- Drosera Rotundifolia
- Drosera Spatulata
References
- “Drosera subhirtella.” Australian Plant Image Index. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/photo/apii/id/c/558.
- “Drosera subhirtella.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_subhirtella.
- “Sundew Plant Care Guide.” Gardening Know How. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/sundew-plant/sundew-plant-care.htm.
