Drosera

These tender perennials (Sundew) are very interesting, insectivorous plants found wild in bogs from southern Japan to eastern China and south to New Zealand. Sundews may grow up to 8 inches high and from May to August, produce thin, leafless stalks, 6 to 12 inches long, of white, crimson, or pink flowers. One flower opens each day, starting with the lowest flower, and can pollinate itself by the afternoon. D. spathulata, the Spoon-leaf Sundew, grows up to 3 inches high. It forms rosettes of spoon-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are covered in sensitive, red hairs. Each of these hairs is tipped with a droplet of sticky, honey-like fluid, giving the leaves a jewel-like appearance. Insects that land on the hairs are trapped. More hairs bend downwards to secure them further and excrete a substance that dissolves the insects, which are then absorbed by the leaves.

Pot Cultivation

These plants require a minimum temperature of 41 to 50 degrees. In cool climates, they may be grown in a house or greenhouse. Plant them in whole-fiber sphagnum moss or equal parts of peat moss and coarse vermiculite or sharp sand and keep them in a sunny position. Keep the soil moist with soft water. Sundews need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. When planting outside in a bog garden, set on low mounds to prevent overwatering.

Propagation

Seeds may be gathered from the plants and sown. Five to seven weeks after the flowers die, the small green seed capsules turn dark when mature. Cut the stalk just below the lowest seed capsule when there are a lot of mature pods and place inside a fold of paper or paper seed envelope. Lay them on a sheet of white paper to dry; the seeds can usually be shaken loose of their capsules when they are dry, if not, simply break open the pods. Place the clean, dry seeds in a paper envelope and store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. In the spring or autumn, lightly sprinkle the seeds over the surface of your bog. These plants reseed readily, so those growing in a bog garden usually self-sow. Seeds may also be started in small pots filled with moist peat and vermiculite. Scatter them thinly on the surface and set the pot in a saucer of water. Always water from the bottom. When transplanting, it is better to transfer them in small clumps because the young plants produce long, hair-like roots that can easily be damaged. Leaf cuttings can also be used to increase your plants. New leaves, with no insects in them, are cut off the plant and set face up on either moistened, milled sphagnum moss or peat moss. Weigh them down so that their entire lower surface is touching the soil; if it isn't, the edges will curl up and the leaf will die. Water the cuttings with water mixed with fungicide, drain completely and enclose it in a plastic bag to maintain a humid atmosphere. Place in a location with strong, indirect sunlight. Once they've formed roots, they are gradually exposed to sun until they are finally planted outdoors. Whole leaves or pieces may also be placed in sterilized baby-food jars filled with tepid, distilled water. Seal the jar and place under a fluorescent light or a place where it will receive indirect light. When they've formed roots, anywhere from 15 to 30 days, transplant to pre-moistened medium by gently pressing them in the soil with your finger. Keep them in the shade for several days and gradually expose to more light.