Drosera Dichatoma 'Giant'

Drosera dichotoma 'Giant': The Towering Sundew

Introduction:

The Drosera dichotoma 'Giant' is a spectacular form of the fork-leaved sundew, growing much larger than typical varieties. Its forked, tentacle-covered leaves can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall, making it one of the largest sundews available. These leaves are covered in sticky, glistening mucilage that attracts and traps insects, which the plant then digests for nutrients. Its dramatic, forked leaves and large size make it a striking centerpiece for any carnivorous plant display.

History:

Native to Australia and New Zealand, Drosera dichotoma is found in nutrient-poor soils, such as bogs and marshes. It has evolved to capture insects as a way to compensate for the lack of nutrients in its environment. The 'Giant' variety is a selected form that exhibits much larger growth than the typical Drosera dichotoma, making it a popular choice among carnivorous plant collectors for its impressive size and insect-catching abilities.

Care Outline:

• Light: Drosera dichotoma 'Giant' thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled sunlight. It can tolerate full sun, especially in the morning. Ideally, aim for 10,000 to 30,000 lux. This light intensity will help the plant produce more dew, which is essential for catching insects.
• Water: Use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water only, as this plant is sensitive to the minerals in tap water. Keep the soil consistently moist by placing the pot in a shallow tray of water, allowing the plant to absorb water from below. The soil should remain damp but not waterlogged.
• Humidity: This sundew prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 50%–80%. While it can adapt to lower humidity, high humidity will encourage the production of sticky dew on the leaves.
• Temperature: Drosera dichotoma 'Giant' prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C), though it’s best to avoid exposing the plant to prolonged cold.
• Soil: Use a nutrient-poor, well-draining soil mix such as sphagnum peat moss and perlite (or silica sand). Avoid any mix with added nutrients or fertilizer.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize this plant. It gets all the nutrients it needs from the insects it captures. Fertilizer will harm the plant.
• Propagation: Drosera dichotoma 'Giant' can be propagated through root cuttings, division, or seeds. This species grows quickly and propagates easily.

Light and Lux Rating:

For optimal growth, the Drosera dichotoma 'Giant' requires bright, indirect light, with a lux rating of 10,000 to 30,000 lux. Direct sunlight is beneficial but should be limited to the early part of the day to avoid scorching the leaves.

• Natural Light: Place the plant in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, such as an east or west-facing window. If grown outdoors, provide dappled light or morning sun with afternoon shade.
• Artificial Light: If grown indoors under grow lights, ensure the plant receives 12–16 hours of light per day using full-spectrum lights.

Propagation:

1. Root Cuttings:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer during the growing season.
• Steps:
  1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and find healthy, thick roots.
  2. Cut 1–2 inch sections of root and lay them horizontally on moist sphagnum moss or a peat-perlite mix.
  3. Cover lightly with the soil mix and keep the container in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
  4. In a few weeks, new shoots will grow from the root cuttings.

2. Division:

• Best Time: Early spring when repotting.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and divide the root ball, ensuring each division has healthy roots and growth points.
  2. Repot each division into a separate container with fresh soil.
  3. Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light.

3. Seed Propagation:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer.
• Steps:
  1. Sow fresh Drosera dichotoma 'Giant' seeds on the surface of moist sphagnum moss or peat-perlite mix.
  2. Do not cover the seeds, as they require light for germination.
  3. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright spot with high humidity. A clear plastic cover can help maintain humidity.
  4. Seeds will germinate in 2–6 weeks.

Soil for Drosera dichotoma 'Giant':

This sundew requires a nutrient-poor, well-draining soil to thrive. A recommended mix includes:

• Sphagnum peat moss (for moisture retention).
• Perlite or silica sand (for drainage and aeration).

Avoid any soil with added nutrients or fertilizers, as this can damage the plant.

Watering Requirements:

• Use only distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water to prevent mineral buildup.
• The plant thrives in consistently moist soil. Use the tray method by placing the pot in a shallow tray of water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture from below.

Fertilizing:

Do not fertilize your Drosera dichotoma 'Giant'. The plant obtains its nutrients from the insects it traps and digests. Fertilizer can burn the roots and harm the plant.

Repotting:

• When to Repot: Repot every 1–2 years, or when the plant outgrows its container.
• Best Time: Early spring is the ideal time to repot, just before the growing season begins.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
  2. Replant in a larger pot with fresh, nutrient-poor soil.
  3. Water thoroughly and place the plant back in bright light.