Sundews(Drosera) are most popular and widely available around the world. They are carnivorous plants meaning it uses insects to fill its stomach rather than sunlight. These are not much dependent on sunlight. They get all the nutrition from the insect they absorb. What is special in these plants are its attractive nectar which insects and bugs really like, and whenever any nearby insect lands on its leaves & sticks there.
The no. of species in Sundews(Drosera) are over 193(updated) and with that , these plant species make the largest family of carnivorous plants.If hypothetically any insect ever wrote a book on its life , they will mention this plant and how it was died. As these plants have some sticky fluid which traps the insect and then slowly these plants cover the prey using its tentacles.
Digestive enzymes slowly cover it and the insect dies of asphyxiation in which oxygen supply restrict or have deficiency. Roundleaf sundew is the most common Drosera found in Western Europe and North America , Sundews flower are either pink or white with half inch or may be less round , flat leaves with hairs which are again purple(different variety have different color).
Sundews Habitat
Sundews are perennial plant and rarely annual. These plant grows in non forest , open area and they like calcium rich soil. They grow best in Low pH area because mostly it will get its nutrient from insects , this plant doesn’t requires plant fertilizer also. It has white color flower with five stamens , sepals, and petals. This plant does self pollination so don’t require insect to do so.
They go dormancy in winters and that time it shows buds which are called hibernacula that are in resting mode. leaves come in different varieties including wedge shaped, branching fern,oval , strapped etc.
Here is the link to buy Sundews for sale :
Threadleaf Sundew – CHECK PRICE IN AMAZON
Drosera spatulata – CHECK PRICE IN AMAZON
Combo 5 different sundews – CHECK PRICE IN ETSY
Table of Contents
How to care Sundews
Here are some tips you need to note on how to care sundews :
Light
Most prefer partial sunlight but it depends on its variety like drosera capensis can grow in a high heat area that gets direct sun.
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You need to avoid a full shade area as this plant needs some sunlight to grow. Partial shade where only it receives 2 hours of light can give the plant boost.
They don’t want to grow below 54° F as they dislike cold weather. You can take them home indoors which have better temperature compared to outdoors. In winters outdoor temperature rises that makes many plants die.
Soil
You need soil 60%, perlite 15%, peat moss 15% and mix it well and this will help your soil to dry perfect and keep your plant healthy.
These plants don’t use any addition of fertilizer or potting mix otherwise they don’t thrive on those soil types.
Water
These plants(Drosera) grow in less pure water where 50% mineral is there. You can also use distilled water in sundews .
Moist the soil as they like to thrive in wet soil. Every time you water this plant make sure to fill the pot half , this plant grows easily and perfectly in that much water.
Use of Artificial Lights
For those who want to grow indoors and also for those who don’t have proper light from windows can get fluorescent light (at least 40 watt).
This need to be set just 10-15 inch above the pot. You can also check its growth if you are not satisfied. Move light close to pot it will increase the growth.
Where to grow
If your area has temperature above 56° F then you can easily grow them outdoors. If it drops to below this temperature then grow inside of your house.
They can adapt to the temperature difference. Place them near the window at daytime , protect them from heavy winds, warm direct sunlight.
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