Carnivorous - Drosera natalensis Seeds - Sundew

Drosera natalensis is a small, interesting Sundew plant of South Africa, from the province of Natal. It is very easy to grow. A very popular rosette forming Sundew.

The rosettes are flat and about 4 cm across. The leaves are spoon-shaped. The upper surface of the light green leaves, have a covering of sticky tentacles which are a dark pink or brilliant red.

The visiting insects are attracted to the leaves by the glistening tips of the hairs. The leaves, curl around any captured prey like a fist. Once caught the insect is digested by the sticky digestive fluid poured out by the plant. This unique way of obtaining nitrogenous food enables these plants to live in soils poor in available nitrogen.

They should be grown in bright light, but with protection from full midday sun. In cloudy coastal areas, artificial light is preferable. If the plant gets enough light, it will produce very nice redder rosettes.

They grow well in a standard peat moss/sand which can be anything from 50% to 70% peat moss. There's no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for food. The humidity should be between 60-80%.

Water must be distilled or rain water because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about an inch of water in it, under the pot. This one prefers slightly drier conditions than most, so it's advisable to let the water tray dry out before refilling. Elevate the pot by placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it will ensure that the plant has a constant source of moisture.

The bid amount is for 1 Seed