Drosera BURKEANA

Drosera BURKEANA - Burke's Sundew, Drosera burkeana.

Carnivorous plant!

Sundews are among the most widespread carnivorous plants. They grow worldwide and number around 100 species, most of which inhabit Australia and New Zealand. Their typical representative is the round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), which frequently grows in bogs of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

The English gave this plant the poetic name "sundew", meaning "sun's dew". Indeed, the trapping leaves of this plant are extraordinary - they resemble a small saucer whose upper surface is covered with numerous hairs, and at the tip of each sits a droplet of sticky fluid sparkling in the sun, attracting the attention of potential prey. The alluring droplet of "dew" turns out to be sticky mucilage, which deprives the insect of any chance to escape.

The sundew leaf is extraordinarily sensitive - the slightest touch is enough, and all its hairs set in motion, bending toward the center in an effort to coat the prey as "generously" as possible with sticky substance and move it into the very center of the leaf, where the digestive glands are located. Gradually, the sundew leaf closes over the insect, turning into a likeness of a tiny stomach. Once the insect is digested, the leaf opens again. The flowers are small, white, in terminal racemose or paniculate inflorescences. The intensity of flowering depends on the size of the plant.

As is well known, most plants obtain necessary nutrients from the soil. Some, however, chose another path and in the course of their evolution acquired astonishing adaptations for catching and subsequently digesting insects. It should be noted right away that such an exotic mode of nutrition was chosen not out of caprice, but out of necessity, since the boggy soils where most plant predators live are very poor and can provide them with only a "bare subsistence minimum".

Drosera burkeana belongs to the subtropical species; wintering occurs at a temperature of 10-12 °C (50-54 °F).

Sundew propagates very simply and quickly by seeds, leaf cuttings, and rhizome division. The fine seeds are sown on the surface. Rooting conditions: warmth, high air humidity. Moist peat is used as a substrate for propagation.

Repotting is done as the plant expands. Planting pots should be sufficiently spacious. Even for pygmy species, pots at least 8 cm (3.1 in) high must be used. Soil: for tropical species: peat, sand, perlite (1:1:1); for subtropical species: peat, sand (3:1); for cold-hardy species: peat with the addition of sphagnum; for pygmy species: peat, sand (2:1). The soil reaction must be acidic. Among commercial mixes, one can try "Azalea" soil mixed with sand. Sundews are sometimes attacked by aphids. Diseases most commonly occur in tropical species because, at high humidity, caught prey begins to mold. This must be monitored, as the plants do not tolerate fungicides.

General principles regarding growing carnivorous plants from seeds: Plants need light. 16 hours of light per day is optimal in most cases. The top of the pot should be located 15 to 25 cm (5.9 to 9.8 in) from the lamp. Ensure that there is sufficient air and that the plants are not too hot.

Plants need moisture. Planting should be in a moist environment, but not wet. You can place the pots in plastic bags, cover them with plastic film, or place them in a sealed jar. You will know that the plants have sufficient humidity if the plastic bag remains misted.

Carnivorous plants are very sensitive to the nutrient content in the soil and salts in the water. Carnivorous plants live in environments with soils of low nutrient media. And they can be killed by fertilizers and water with moderate or high solid content. Typical soils for them are sphagnum peat, milled or living sphagnum moss, coarse quartz sand, and perlite. Ensure there are no fertilizer additives. Water must be either distilled or rainwater.

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The sundew should be placed in a sunny location or in light partial shade with access to fresh air. In winter, plants often suffer from a lack of light, so it is desirable to provide supplemental lighting.

Subtropical species can overwinter at room temperature, but develop better if provided with a winter rest at a temperature of 12 °C (54 °F), but not lower than 10 °C (50 °F). For them, optimal air humidity is around 60%. Tropical species are kept year-round at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) and high air humidity. Pygmy Australian species are kept at 15 °C (59 °F) in winter.

Water abundantly, using only soft water. The soil must be constantly moist. During cool wintering, watering is reduced. Sundews do not need fertilizing; from an excess of nutrients, they begin to sicken.