Portuguese sundew

drosophyllum lusitanicum

Also known as: ["Portuguese dewy pine","dewy pine"]

Family: Drosophyllaceae Genus: Drosophyllum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A carnivorous plant native to the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by its glandular leaves that trap and digest insects.

Benefits & Perks

["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Drosophyllaceae
Genus: Drosophyllum
Botanical Name: Drosophyllum lusitanicum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: outdoor container in a sunny, sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Indoor Plant Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, as it prefers dry conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; must avoid water retention.
  • Soil Type: Highly acidic, sandy, and well-draining mix; peat-based with perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically once or twice a year.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light; focus on tidiness and health.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but requires bright light for health.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
challenging

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Avoid direct sun in hottest hours; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains if needed.

Watering

every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, sandy, acidic soil with minimal organic matter

pH: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0).

Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid organic matter that retains moisture; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Warm temperatures (65–85°F); prefers mild conditions; sensitive to frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

rarely, if ever, as it is adapted to nutrient-poor soils

Never use standard houseplant fertilizer; feed only if growth is poor; use minimal amounts.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; occasionally by seed.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Perlite and peat moss mix; well-draining and slightly acidic.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

4–8 weeks for roots; several months to establish.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip dead leaves or stems; avoid cutting healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain health.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Inspect plant; remove dead parts; clean tools; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up; increase pot diameter by 1–2 inches.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out compacted roots; avoid deep planting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; sensitive to disturbance.

Checklist

Check root health; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; use acidic peat moss for pH.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or cessation of growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Stagnant growth, leaf discoloration, and potential death below 50°F.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide insulation; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration in prolonged heat above 90°F.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check plant health; use diluted fertilizer; apply sparingly; observe for adverse reactions.

Fertilizing Method

Avoid fertilizing; sensitive to nutrients; may use diluted carnivorous plant fertilizer sparingly in growing season.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Drosophyllum lusitanicum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Drosophyllum lusitanicum can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impacting the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure.

Leaf spots on Drosophyllum lusitanicum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic area and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Drosophyllum lusitanicum if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to toxicity from Drosophyllum lusitanicum if ingested. The plant's toxic compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors loss of coordination
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate veterinary care.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Drosophyllum lusitanicum by dogs can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The plant's compounds can disrupt normal digestive and neurological functions in canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Humans
Toxic

Drosophyllum lusitanicum contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The plant's tissues contain substances that interfere with normal cellular processes, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness confusion
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental consumption occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Drosophyllum lusitanicum easy to care for?

A: No, it is considered challenging to care for due to its specific soil and watering requirements.

Q: Does this plant require direct sunlight?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: Can this plant be grown indoors?

A: Yes, but it requires bright light and careful watering to prevent root rot.

Quick Reference
Family: Drosophyllaceae
Care: challenging
Light: full sun
Water: every 10–14 days, allowing s
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","indoor plant lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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