- How do you water sundew correctly?
- Does sundew need fertilizer?
- Does Drosera have to be fed?
- How bright does sundew need to be kept?
- Can sundew go outside in summer?
- When does Drosera have to be repotted?
- What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- How is sundew overwintered?
Sundew, botanically known as Drosera, is one of the carnivorous plants that require a bit of finesse to care for. Beginners should start with low-maintenance varieties such as Cape sundew or Drosera aliciae. How to properly care for sundew.
Caring for sundew is very time-consuming
How do you water sundew correctly?
Sundew does not tolerate calcareous water. Only use rainwater or distilled water.
It is best to water Drosera using the accumulation method. To do this, place the pot in a deep saucer that you keep constantly filled with water. To avoid waterlogging, place a drainage of gravel or sand at the bottom of the pot.
In winter you should increase the humidity. Place bowls filled with water on the heater. Ventilate sufficiently to prevent mold from forming.
Does sundew need fertilizer?
Carnivorous plants are generally not fertilized. They obtain their nutrients from the insects they have caught, but above all from the substrate and the reserves stored in the leaves.
Does Drosera have to be fed?
Feeding sundew is not necessary. If you do want to try it, never put dead insects on the leaves. Feed no more than one animal at a time.
How bright does sundew need to be kept?
Sundew likes it very bright. Outdoors, the plant needs a very sunny spot. When keeping the plant indoors, place the plant as brightly as possible and ensure high humidity.
For tropical and subtropical species, the use of additional lighting is recommended, especially in winter.
Can sundew go outside in summer?
As long as the temperatures outside are high enough, you are welcome to put sundew on the terrace or balcony.
However, the plants then need more water.
When does Drosera have to be repotted?
The plant substrate decomposes over time. Therefore, regular repotting is absolutely necessary.
The best time to transplant is early spring. The old substrate is completely removed and replaced with fresh carnivore soil.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- snails
- spider mites
- Mould
Snails appear outdoors or when the plant has been outside during the summer. Collect the snails and discard the clutches as well.
Spider mites often infest sundews. Spraying only helps to a limited extent. For valuable species, you should use special products from the garden trade.
In the event of mold growth, you must repot the sundew in the pot immediately and remove all infected parts of the plant.
How is sundew overwintered?
Hardy varieties stay outside all year round. For species grown as houseplants, overwintering depends on the variety. Most tropical species do not tolerate freezing temperatures.
tips
Sundew can be propagated by seeds, leaf cuttings or root cuttings. Propagation via leaf cuttings is the easiest. The plants propagated in this way often flower in the same year.