Drosera spatulata
Drosera spatulata · Droseraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant drosera spatulata: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, in basal rosette
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Adult size
- 5 to 10 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Tender (5 to 15 °C)
- Origin
- Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand
- Soil type
- Very well-draining, poor, acidic
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate constantly moist but without waterlogging: this sundew appreciates regular humidity. Use soft water (rainwater or distilled) to prevent mineral accumulation that damages the traps. In winter, reduce watering slightly without letting it dry out completely.
Light
Place the plant in bright, indirect light, or under horticultural LED lighting. It tolerates direct sun for a few hours in late afternoon, but overly intense rays can scorch the leaves. Generous light promotes mucilage production and strengthens the traps.
Soil and substrate
Use a very well-draining mixture made of white peat and fine sand (or perlite), without rich organic matter. Absolutely avoid standard commercial potting soils. Repot every two years in spring in a shallow pot.
Fertilizer
Do not add fertilizer: this carnivorous plant feeds on the insects it traps. Mineral fertilizer risks polluting the acidic substrate and burning delicate roots. Natural food is ample enough.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote air circulation and limit fungal diseases. Cut off faded flower stems once flowering is complete. Avoid touching the sticky leaves, which are very fragile.
Diseases and pests
Monitor for fungi related to excessive humidity. Spider mites can occasionally infest the plant; isolate it if suspected. Lack of ventilation increases risks: ventilate regularly without creating cold drafts.
Did you know?
Drosera spatulata is a miniature carnivorous plant that attracts, traps and digests insects via its leaves covered in sticky droplets, hence its name 'sundew' (dew in Greek). This species is very popular among carnivorous plant collectors for its small size and ability to survive in controlled conditions. It illustrates one of the most fascinating survival strategies in the plant kingdom in nutrient-poor environments.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Great sundewDrosera anglica
- Drosera peltataDrosera peltata
- Pink sundewDrosera capillaris
- Drosera aberransDrosera aberrans
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- Fig treeFicus carica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.