Care instructions
How we grow Subtropical Drosera?
In-vitro plants are acclimated in a Growth Chamber with controlled temperatures and humidity. This indoor setup ensure an easy adaptation to extra-vitro condition, guaranteeing the best conditions for plants in this delicate stage. All plants available at the Diflora shop have been acclimatized for at least 3 months. After this first step the plant is brought outside, under direct sunlight with the classic tray system as watering method and so, keeping always some amount of water in the tray. As with the majority of carnivorous plants, we use distilled water produced by our reverse osmosis system.
Lighting:
Full sun all year round! It is possible to shade slightly in the warmer summer months to avoid excessive temperatures that may stunt the plant’s growth.
Watering:
Subtropical Drosera likes stagnant water all year round (3-4 cm of distilled water always in the saucer). This serves to faithfully imitate the natural environment in which they live. It is important to use only distilled water or alternatively all waters that have an extremely low mineral salt content. For example rainwater or all condensation water (air conditioner, dehumidifier). The conductivity of the water must have a value of less than 50 micro-siemens.
Substrate:
While 50% peat and 50% perlite is fine as a general substrate, we recommend the Drosera substrate we have developed and tested for optimal growth of this genus.
Seasonality and temperatures:
Subtropical sundews do not need vegetative rest and do not produce hibernacula.
Winters in a subtropical climate are cool but not cold, meaning that temperatures drop but rarely fall below 10°C. In winter it is still possible to grow the hardiest species outdoors (e.g. Drosera capensis) but it is very important to protect them from frost and to reduce the water in the saucer.
Ideally, you should have a cold greenhouse in which to protect them. Alternatively, many growers use the interior space of double windows by using the warmth of their home to create a greenhouse-like space in which to overwinter their plants, or a terrarium equipped with artificial lights. If you do not have a terrarium, it is normal to notice a loss of vigour and slow growth. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, however, they will grow and flourish again and give great satisfaction!
Additional info:
For more cultivation information visit our care guides or use our plant care support by writing to ilpigliamosche@diflora.it
Source
Diflora started the in-vitro propagation of this Drosera from sterile flask received from other sellers or enthusiasts.
Trapping technique
Drosera catch mainly small flying insects using sticky modified trichomes placed all over their leaves. These trichomes secrete droplets of water and polysaccharides attracting insects that are searching for sugary substances, like nectar. As the unawares visitors fatally fly on those sweet and lethal leaves, they stay glued and unable to fly away. It is caused mainly by droplet viscosity. Slowly, the viscous liquid from the nearby trichomes envelops the insect, sealing a macabre fate for the unfortunate victim: the tracheas, respiratory holes placed on the surface of the exoskeleton of insects, are obstructed causing their death by suffocation.
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