If you like to grow an ornamental plant in your home, then Sundews are an excellent choice. This type of plant can be grown either indoors or outdoors, and they have many different varieties that will fit into any garden design. The plants come from the genus Drosera which is native to Australia but has been introduced around the world. There are over 100 species of sundews found worldwide, with some being endangered due to habitat loss. Sundew plant leaves look similar to those of Venus flytrap except for their size. In fact, it was once thought that these two plants were one and the same until DNA testing proved otherwise. The sundew family includes carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and bladderworts. These plants use sticky hairs on their leaves called trichomes to trap insects. When prey comes close enough, the leaf tips snap shut, trapping them inside.
How much water does the Sundew plant require?
Sundew plant requires moderate amounts of moisture during its growing season. It actually recquire about 1 inch of water per week when planted outside. If you live in a humid climate, this amount may need to increase by half. You also need to keep the soil moist at all times so that roots do not dry out. This helps prevent root rot. Various factors will determine the amount of water that this plant will need. These include;
The type of soil used
Soil plays an important role when growing the Sundew plant because it affects how well roots take up nutrients. If you live in a dry climate, you may want to consider using peat moss instead of a regular potting mix, which helps retain moisture better than other types of soils. It would help if you also ensured that there isn’t too much sand mixed in with the soil so that drainage doesn’t become an issue.
How large the pot is
The amount of water you will need is directly proportional to the size of the container you are using. For example, if you’re planning on planting the Sundew plant outside, you’ll probably need more water than if you plan on keeping it indoors. It’s best to keep track of how often you water the plant by looking at its growth rate.
What kind of light source do you provide
There is a relationship between the amount of water reacquire by this plant and the light source provided. Therefore to determine the amount of water needed, you must first know what lighting conditions you are providing. Some sunlight is necessary for proper photosynthesis, while direct sun exposure causes overheating, and a combination of both is ideal.
How much light does it need?
Sundew plant needs about 10 hours of indirect daylight per day. However, during the winter months, you might not get enough natural light to support healthy growth. To ensure adequate levels of light, you could place the plant under artificial lights. Alternatively, you could purchase a special greenhouse kit that provides supplemental heat and light. This will make sure that the plant receives all the required amounts of light throughout the year. For example, a 6-inch tall plant would only receive 4 inches of space under standard indoor lighting. With a greenhouse kit, the plant gets 8 inches of the room because it grows taller.
What type of soil?
Sundew plant grows best in loam-based soil. Soil containing high organic matter content promotes strong root development. Sandier soils tend to cause problems since they don’t hold onto moisture very well. Also, sandy soils drain poorly, causing excess evaporation. Loamy soil tends to stay damp longer, allowing roots to absorb more water. When growing sundew plant outdoors, use a mixture of 50% topsoil and 50% compost or manure. Use only fresh materials as these can contain weed seeds which would be detrimental to your plants’ health. For example, avoid using garden waste from last year’s harvest. Instead, look into purchasing new materials such as straw or wood chips because they won’t carry any harmful organisms.
How and when do you re-pott it?
Sundew plant likes to grow slowly but steadily. As long as you give them plenty of room to spread their leaves, they shouldn’t require frequent repotting. Make sure that you remove old soil before adding new material. Otherwise, you risk introducing diseases like black mold. For instance, you should wait until after flowering has finished before repotting. The reason being that flowers attract insects which then feed off the plant. Repotting right after flowering encourages insect infestation. It is also crucial to ensure that there isn’t too much space left empty around the pot. If you have an overgrown plant, you may want to consider dividing it up so that each part gets some extra attention.
Do you fertilize it?
When it comes to fertilization, the sundew plant doesn’t benefit from anything other than regular watering. You can start applying fertilizer once every two weeks. But remember to check with your local nursery to see whether they recommend specific types of fertilizers based on the species of plant you’ve chosen. The following are some tips you should follow when applying the fertilizer :
- Apply 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of water.
- Do not apply directly to foliage; instead, sprinkle evenly across the surface of the soil.
- It is also Always testing the pH level of the soil before fertilizing.
Always remember fertilizer must never be applied if the soil is already acidic because this causes harm to the plant. For example, the sundew plant prefers slightly alkaline conditions because this type of soil helps prevent disease.
Bottom line
sundew plant care is relatively simple if you know what you’re doing. Just keep in mind that this particular plant requires lots of sunlight and good drainage for optimal growth. In addition, you’ll need to provide ample nutrients through proper feeding. Finally, you must always pay close attention to pests and disease prevention. These things will help you maintain a happy and productive planet.
