South American Sundews

 

This is a very small group of Sundews.  They are rosette plants that grow during the warmer summer months in South America, and halts growth when the temperatures dip a little in the winter.  It doesn't get cold enough for them to lose their leaves in their native habitat, so avoid exposing them to frost.  Since they are native to high altitudes, try and grow them below 30C. 

 

Growing Media:

I've read a mixture of one part peat and part sand works well. In their native habitat, they grow in sandy soils. 

 

Temperatures:

These plants grow at high altitudes, and their winter months are just slightly cooler. Try can keep temperatures below 30C.  

 

Water & Humidity:

Provide a good supply of water, and high humidity.  

 

Light:

Grow in bright direct or indirect light.  During dormancy, less light will stop the plant from growing new leaves. 

 

Dormancy Requirements:

These plants simply stop growing when during dormancy, most people say that they can be grown year round since its a very small change. 

 

Asexual Reproduction:

Take a leaf,  place on moist soil and give high humidity & light, with temperature around 75F. I have increased chances when I do not remove the leaf from the plant, but pin it to the soil.  This is much easier with larger varieties. With the smaller varieties, it's a little tricky. 

A few of these plants will reproduce by their roots also. If you see a new plantlet away from the main one, you can dig it up carefully and sever the runner-root and replant.  I listed below which plants are susceptible to asexual reproduction though these methods. 

Sexual Reproduction:

I listed those plants that self-pollinate. Collect seeds when the capsules dry, and store during the plants' normal dormant months. In the spring, you can sprinkle the seeds on moist peat/sand, and provide bright light and high humidity. 

Take

Specific Cultural Information

Note that a "" denotes a picture available at the CP Database, just click on the camera and enter "Drosera" and the species. Also check out the pictures available at the Galleria Carnivora, First floor. 

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D. montana   

Known as the 'Mountain Sundew'.  Forms a small rosette with pubescent reddish-burgundy leaves that are wedge-shaped.  Blooms pink or white flowers which are self pollinating.  Can be propagated by leaf cuttings. 

 

 

D. villosa  

A sundew that forms rosettes 2-5" (5-13cm) wide. Has reddish strap-like leaves that are pubescent.  Can be propagated by leaf cuttings.  If you know the flower color, please e-mail me!

 

Bibliography 

Carnivorous Plants of Australian, Volume 1,2,3. Allen Lowrie
The Savage Garden, Peter D'Amato. 1998.
Carnivorous Plants of the World, James and Patricia Pietropaolo. 1986
Carnivorous Plant Database 
Cambrian Carnivores  

Photo Contributors

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Last update 07/30/01

Since 2/22/2000