Sundew, an army of carnivorous plants

Drosera Tentacles

We continue our journey through one of the most surprising groups of the plant kingdom: that of the carnivorous plants, attractant beings with very particular characteristics that catch our attention.

Today is the turn of the Drosera, a plant that has more than a hundred species and many hybrids scattered around the world.

Description

Sundew, carnivorous plant

La Drosera is a plant that belongs to the family Droseraceae and is better known as Sundew, Sundew, Sundew, Drop grass or Rosoli. Its scientific name is sundew spp and there are many different species spread throughout the world, although more than half are native to Australia. In Spain you can find the Drosera rotundifolia that lives in the Pyrenees area.

It's a very important genus within the group of carnivorous plants as it is on the heels of Utricularia, the largest genus within the group. That is why there are sunshades of different shapes and sizes, which also require different care because their needs are also different.

Although it is difficult to establish common features, all sundew share one point and that is that their leaves are covered by glandular hairs while plants have leaves with tentacles on top. The tentacles are always present as they are responsible for the substance that allows the plant to trap its victims. As for the hairs, they are also in all the varieties of Droseras since they are the ones in charge of immobilizing the victims and even winding them up.

Depending on the type of sundew, the plant can live between one and three years in a pot. Among the most popular and easy to care for sunshades are Drosera capensis, Drosera Alicia, Drosera spatulata and Drosera binata.

Sundew care

Drosera

There are several requirements to meet so that the Sundew can live a noble and full life. The first thing is to locate it in a place with a lot of natural light as this condition is very relevant for the plant to survive over time. The tentacles should appear pink or reddish in color because if they become transparent they will stop producing the sticky substance and will burn.

The optimum temperature for subtropical sundews is between 20 and 35ºC in summer and no more than 10ºC in winter. while the ideal humidity is between 40 and 70%.

Watering must be regular to keep the soil always moist, so it is best to place the water in a tray so that the plant can absorb it when it needs it. What is important is to irrigate with non-calcareous water, that is, distilled or rain water.

As for the substrate, pay attention to drainage. It is best to make one with 50% pure blonde peat, 20% quartz sand, and 30% pearlite.


2 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Ana Paula said

    Very good information, I will follow you. Thank you.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Ana Paula.
      I'm glad you liked it 🙂
      A greeting.