Sundew spatulata

View of the Drosera spatulata

Image - Wikimedia / Jan Wieneke

La Sundew spatulata It is one of the carnivores that, taking into account its size and shape, is one of the most beautiful that exists. And, also, one of the easiest to maintain, since it also tends to reseed itself; In other words, once the seeds fall to the substrate, they tend to germinate, with which, over time, you get to have a few specimens growing in the same container.

What's more, is able to resist the cold without problems; not so the frosts, unless they are weak and very punctual. Although the truth is that, due to its characteristics, it could almost be said that it can live anywhere in the world, because if the winters are harsh, by protecting it at home it will endure; and if, on the other hand, they are soft, they can be enjoyed all year round outside.

Origin and characteristics of Sundew spatulata

View of the Drosera spatulata

Image - Wikimedia / Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia

It is a carnivorous plant known as spoon-shaped sundew native to Southeast Asia, specifically southern China and Japan, Micronesia, New Guinea, Eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

Forms a rosette of spatulate leaves, with a diameter of about 4 centimeters. The individual leaf blades are about 5mm long by 4mm wide. During the summer, usually at the beginning of the season, a flower stalk 8 centimeters high sprouts from the end of which six small white or pink flowers of up to 6 millimeters will emerge, grouped in racemose inflorescences.

Cultivars

Several have been created:

View of the Drosera Tamlin

Sundew spatulata cv Tamlin

  • Sundew spatulata cv 'Hong Kong': with bright green leaves.
  • Sundew spatulata cv 'Kanto': with greenish leaves, with abundant glandular hairs on the tips of reddish color.
  • Sundew spatulata cv 'Ruby Slippers': the whole plant is reddish.
  • Sundew spatulata cv 'Tamlin': the plant is red-orange. You can buy seeds here.

What are the care you need?

If you dare to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

Location

Our protagonist, like all sunshades, they are carnivores that like bright exposures but protected from direct sun. They are not shade plants: the lack of luminosity makes their development and growth weak and they end up dying.

Earth

  • Garden: they live in peat bogs, where the pH is acidic (between 4 and 6). For this reason, they cannot be planted directly in the garden soil, but the area must be prepared beforehand. To do this, what is done is:
    1. Dig a hole of about 40 x 40cm, covering all its sides with resistant plastic (PVC if it is found), make some small holes in the base through which the water can escape.
    2. Fill it with blond peat.
    3. Plant the sundew, and water it with distilled water.
    4. Place an anti-herb mesh around it, which will prevent on the one hand that other herbs grow near it, and on the other that the roots of the carnivore come into contact with the garden soil.
  • Flower pot: you have to use a plastic one with holes and fill it with blond peat mixed with perlite in equal parts. You can buy it here.

Irrigation

Irrigation will be frequent, preventing the substrate from drying out. Unpolluted rainwater, osmosis (such as air conditioning), or distilled rainwater should be used.

If it is potted, put a plate underneath and fill it every time you see it with little water during the summer. The rest of the year, he spread out the irrigations.

Subscriber

Sundew spatulata

Image - Flickr / Harry Rose

Now Sundew spatulata You do NOT have to pay it. Being a carnivorous plant, it will hunt its prey on its own, which it will later feed on.

If it is fertilized, its roots will burn and consequently its leaves will dry out.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds in spring, which must be sown in pots with holes filled with peat moss and perlite mixed at 50%. To make transplantation easier, it is highly recommended to moisten the substrate well with distilled water, osmosis or rain, before filling the seedbed.

Anyway, if you already have a grown plant, we recommend letting it bloom, and once you see that the fruit is dry, cut it and bury it a little in that same pot. In a matter of days they will germinate.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring. If you have it in a pot, being a small plant it will only need one or two transplants in its entire life; once purchased - only if it is spring - and perhaps again after about 3 years.

Rusticity

La Sundew spatulata resists cold and weak frosts up to -2ºC, but they must be punctual and of short duration, otherwise it will suffer damage.

What uses is it given?

View of the Drosera spatulata in flower

Image - Flickr / Harry Rose

It is a carnivore that is used only as ornamental plant. Being small, it takes up hardly any space so it is great for terraces, balconies, and patios.

What do you think?


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