Sundew
drosera aliciae
Also known as: ["Alicia Sundew","Cape Sundew"]
Overview
A carnivorous plant with sticky, glandular leaves that trap and digest insects.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Drosera |
| Botanical Name: | Drosera aliciae |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, indirect light or outdoor in a bog garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat moss and perlite (1:1 ratio).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on removing dead material and shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct morning sun but requires protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near an east-facing window. Outdoors, provide dappled shade during peak sun hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist
Use distilled or rainwater; keep soil consistently moist; avoid letting roots dry out completely.
Soil
sphagnum peat moss and sand mix, acidic and well-draining
pH: Acidic, pH 3.5–5.5.
Use distilled water; ensure soil is always moist but not waterlogged; replace soil every 1–2 years.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmer conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; maintain consistent warmth; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
rarely, only once every 2–3 months with diluted carnivorous plant fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer heavily; apply to soil, not traps; skip fertilizing during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy leaf or stem.
- Cut cleanly.
- Place in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots to form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings may root in 2–4 weeks; new plants emerge in 1–3 months. Stem cuttings root in 3–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), sphagnum moss, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves at the base; trim stems to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or decaying leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics. Prune to encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; remove dead leaves; trim for shape; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh carnivorous plant soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Fresh soil ensures proper nutrients and drainage.
Checklist
Use fresh carnivorous soil; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled water; check soil moisture before watering; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the soil at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water until it drains from the bottom, but avoid pooling. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During active growth (spring/summer), water every 3–5 days; reduce frequency to every 7–10 days in winter. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; use distilled water to maintain acidity; avoid organic matter that retains too much moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf curling or discoloration. Prolonged cold can lead to root rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a heat mat if necessary; ensure soil doesn’t stay waterlogged.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or turn brown. Growth may slow, and traps may become less effective.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute to 1/4 strength; apply to soil only; avoid traps.
Fertilizing Method
Use a weak solution of carnivorous plant fertilizer (1/4 strength) every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Drosera aliciae may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Drosera aliciae by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's mucilaginous and irritant properties can cause discomfort but are not life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDrosera aliciae, commonly known as the Alice Sundew, is a carnivorous plant that may cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract, but it is not considered highly toxic to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Drosera aliciae?
A: Keep the plant in bright, indirect light, use distilled or rainwater, and maintain high humidity.
Q: Can Drosera aliciae be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives indoors with proper light and humidity conditions.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, poor lighting, or nutrient issues.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
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