Drosera CAPENSIS 'ALBA'

Drosera CAPENSIS 'ALBA' - Cape sundew 'Alba', Drosera capensis 'Alba'.

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

The English gave this sundew the poetic name "sun-dew", which means "dew of the sun". Indeed, the trapping leaves of this plant are unusual - they resemble a small plate, the upper part of which is covered with numerous hairs, and on the tip of each of them is a droplet of sticky liquid sparkling in the sun, attracting the attention of potential prey. The alluring droplet of "dew" turns out upon inspection to be sticky mucilage, which deprives the insect of any chance of escape.

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

As is known, most plants obtain essential nutrients from the soil. Some of them, however, took a different path and in the course of their evolution acquired astonishing adaptations for catching and subsequently digesting insects. Let us qualify right away that such an exotic way of subsistence was chosen not out of whim, but out of necessity, because boggy soils where most plant carnivores live are quite poor and can provide them with only a "living minimum".

The Cape sundew is one of the most beautiful species. It has a short stem to which numerous linear, slender leaves situated on a narrow petiole are attached. Foliage is colored brownish-red or yellow-green, and the tentacles are red. When an insect lands on a leaf, it quickly rolls into a scroll. The flowers of this plant are quite pretty.

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

They are repotted as they grow. Pots for planting should be sufficiently spacious. Even for pygmy species, pots at least 8 cm (3.1 in) high should be taken. Soil: for tropical species: peat, sand, perlite (1:1:1); for subtropical species: peat, sand (3:1); for winter-hardy species: peat with the addition of sphagnum; for pygmy species: peat, sand (2:1). The soil reaction must be acidic. Among ready-made mixtures, one can try 'Azalea' soil mixed with sand. Sundews are sometimes attacked by aphids. Diseases occur most often in tropical species because at high humidity the prey begins to mold. This must be monitored, since the plants do not tolerate fungicides.

General principles regarding growing carnivorous plants from seeds: The 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 (6 to 10 in) from the lamp. Make sure there is enough air and the plants are not too hot.

The plants need moisture. Sowing should be in a moist environment, but not wet. You can place the pots in plastic bags, cover them with plastic wrap, or put them in a sealed jar. You will know that the plants have enough humidity if the plastic bag remains foggy.

Carnivorous plants are very sensitive to the nutrient content in the soil and salts in the water. Carnivorous plants live in lands with soils low in 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 lack of light, so it is advisable 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, an air humidity of about 60% is optimal. 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 in winter at a temperature of 15 °C (59 °F).

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