Drosera Spathulata ‘Spoon Leaf Sundew’

Drosera Spathulata: The Rosy Sundew

 

Drosera spathulata, commonly known as the spatula-leaved sundew, is a small, rosette-forming carnivorous plant native to regions of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Southeast Asia. This sundew is beloved for its compact size and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners in carnivorous plant care. Its spoon-shaped leaves are covered in glandular hairs, or “tentacles,” that secrete a sticky substance to trap and digest insects for nutrients.

 

Introduction:

 

The Drosera spathulata is known for its beautiful, spoon-shaped leaves that are adorned with glistening droplets of mucilage. These droplets attract, trap, and digest small insects like flies and gnats, providing the plant with essential nutrients, especially in nutrient-poor soils. This sundew is compact and forms a flat rosette, which can range in color from green to red, depending on the light conditions. Its ability to adapt to a variety of environments makes it a great addition to carnivorous plant collections.

 

History:

 

Drosera spathulata is widely distributed across several regions, from Australia and New Zealand to parts of Asia. Due to its resilience and adaptability, it has become one of the most commonly cultivated sundews in the world. Its ease of care and ability to grow in a range of light and humidity conditions has made it a popular choice for those new to carnivorous plants.

 

Care Outline:

 

Light:

 

• Drosera spathulata thrives in bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. The more sunlight it receives, the more vibrant its colors will become, often taking on a reddish hue in bright light. It can also adapt to bright, indirect light, though it may stay greener in those conditions.

• If growing indoors, place the plant near a bright, south-facing window or under full-spectrum grow lights for 12-14 hours per day.

 

Water:

 

• Like most carnivorous plants, Drosera spathulata requires pure water (distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water) to avoid mineral buildup.

• Keep the soil consistently moist by using the tray method: Place the pot in a shallow tray filled with water, allowing the plant to absorb water from the bottom. Make sure the soil is always damp, but avoid waterlogging the plant for long periods.

 

Humidity:

 

• Drosera spathulata prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 50%–80%. It can tolerate lower humidity levels but thrives in environments with higher moisture content, which helps the mucilage remain effective for trapping insects.

 

Temperature:

 

• This sundew prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).

• It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) but should be protected from frost. Drosera spathulata does not require dormancy, unlike some other sundews, so it can be grown year-round in stable conditions.

 

Soil:

 

• Drosera spathulata grows best in a nutrient-poor, well-draining soil mix. A typical mix includes 50% sphagnum peat moss and 50% perlite or silica sand.

• Do not use regular potting soil, as it is too nutrient-rich and will harm the plant.

 

Feeding:

 

• The plant naturally traps small insects, such as gnats and flies. If grown indoors and it cannot catch insects on its own, you can feed it dried bloodworms, freeze-dried crickets, or fish food flakes.

• Do not fertilize the plant, as it gets all the nutrients it needs from the insects it digests. Fertilizer can harm or kill the plant.

 

Propagation:

 

Drosera spathulata can be propagated through several methods:

 

1. Leaf Cuttings:

• Place a healthy leaf in pure, distilled water or on damp sphagnum moss. New plantlets will form from the cuttings within a few weeks.

2. Seeds:

• This sundew produces flowers and seeds readily. Simply sow the seeds on the surface of moist peat moss and keep them in bright, indirect light with high humidity until they germinate (usually within 2-6 weeks).

 

Pests and Diseases:

 

• Drosera spathulata is relatively pest-resistant, thanks to its insect-catching abilities. However, it can sometimes attract fungus gnats or suffer from root rot if overwatered.

• Aphids and spider mites may occasionally attack the plant. Treat these infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, but avoid strong chemicals that can harm the plant.

 

Growth and Appearance:

 

Drosera spathulata typically stays small, with its rosettes growing about 1–3 inches in diameter, though it can grow larger depending on the conditions. Its spoon-shaped leaves are covered in fine, sticky tentacles, which exude mucilage to trap prey. This plant produces delicate white or pink flowers on tall stalks, which rise above the foliage.

 

Ideal Conditions for Drosera spathulata:

 

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight (6+ hours) or strong grow lights.

• Water: Pure water (distilled, rainwater, reverse osmosis), consistently moist soil.

• Humidity: 50%–80% preferred.

• Soil: Peat and perlite or silica sand mix (nutrient-poor).

• Temperature: 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).

• Feeding: Insects only, no fertilizers.

 

Conclusion:

 

Drosera spathulata is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced carnivorous plant enthusiasts alike. Its adaptability, compact size, and unique appearance make it a great addition to any collection. With bright light, pure water, and a nutrient-poor soil mix, this sundew will reward you with vigorous growth and beautiful traps that display its carnivorous prowess.