Drosera admirabilis is a captivating carnivorous plant, often called the “Floating Sundew” due to its unique growth habit. Its vibrant, dew-covered leaves make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. Its striking appearance and intriguing method of catching prey contribute to its widespread appeal.
Understanding Drosera Admirabilis
Drosera admirabilis forms a tight, rosette-shaped bundle of leaves up to 5 cm in diameter and over 8 cm tall, sometimes forming a skirt of dead leaves over time. The leaves widen towards their tips and are covered in sticky, dew-producing tentacles, or trichomes, which are responsible for its common name. These tentacles can develop a deep red coloration under intense light, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.
This perennial sundew is native to the south-western Cape Province of South Africa, where it thrives in marshy, boggy areas, often growing in permanent seepages that remain wet during the summer. The sticky dew on its leaves functions as a natural insect trap; small insects are lured by the glistening droplets, become ensnared, and are then slowly digested by the plant. The leaves of Drosera admirabilis can noticeably curl around captured prey within a few hours to aid in digestion.
Essential Care for Drosera Admirabilis
Light Requirements
Drosera admirabilis requires bright, direct sunlight to flourish and maintain its characteristic dewy leaves. Providing 10 to 12 hours of intense light daily, either from full sun exposure outdoors or strong grow lights indoors, is beneficial for its health and coloration. Insufficient light can cause the plant to lose its dew, become leggy, and exhibit less vibrant coloration, often appearing greener. Under optimal light conditions, the tentacles can turn a striking red or purple.
Watering Techniques
Using mineral-free water is important for Drosera admirabilis because dissolved minerals can harm the plant over time. Distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis (RO) water are suitable choices. The tray method is a widely recommended watering technique, involving placing the plant pot in a tray filled with a few centimeters of water. This ensures the soil remains consistently moist, mimicking its natural boggy habitat. However, it is important to avoid letting the plant sit in standing water for extended periods if the soil becomes overly saturated, especially for younger plants.
Ideal Growing Medium
A nutrient-poor, acidic growing medium is essential for Drosera admirabilis to thrive, as it obtains its nutrients from insects rather than the soil. A common and effective mix consists of sphagnum peat moss combined with perlite or horticultural sand. A ratio of 1:1 peat to sand or a 2:1 ratio of peat to rinsed silica sand is recommended. Regular potting soil should be avoided, as it contains fertilizers and minerals that can be detrimental to the plant’s health.
Temperature and Humidity
Drosera admirabilis is a subtropical species that prefers mild temperatures, generally thriving in a range of 15°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F). Temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C) are ideal for optimal growth and flowering. This sundew does not require a dormancy period and can be grown year-round in consistent conditions. Maintaining moderate to high humidity, ideally between 35% and 75%, is beneficial for dew production. Good air circulation is also important to prevent fungal issues.
Feeding Your Sundew
While Drosera admirabilis catches its own insect prey, supplemental feeding can accelerate its growth and encourage flowering. Small, soft-bodied insects like flightless fruit flies, rehydrated dried bloodworms, or crushed fish food pellets are suitable options. Feeding once every two weeks or monthly is sufficient. It is important to avoid overfeeding, especially for young plants, as this can lead to mold or leaf damage.
Propagating Drosera Admirabilis
Drosera admirabilis can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, leaf cuttings, root cuttings, and divisions. Growing from seed is straightforward, as Drosera admirabilis seeds do not require cold stratification and germinate easily. Seeds should be sown on the surface of a moist, carnivorous plant-appropriate medium, as burying them can hinder germination.
Leaf cuttings are another common propagation method. The water-floating method, where leaves are placed on the surface of pure water under bright light, has shown good success. Root cuttings are also effective, utilizing the plant’s thick, long roots. Divisions can be easily performed as the plant tends to form clumps over time.
Common Challenges and Solutions
A common concern for Drosera admirabilis growers is a lack of dew production, which often indicates insufficient light or low humidity. Increasing light intensity and ensuring consistent moisture can help the plant produce more dew. Providing appropriate humidity, ideally above 35%, also supports dew formation.
Leaves turning brown or black can stem from several issues. Overwatering or mineral buildup from using tap water are frequent causes, leading to root sensitivity or chemical imbalances. Ensuring the use of mineral-free water and allowing the tray to occasionally dry out slightly can mitigate these problems. Browning of older leaves is also a natural part of the plant’s growth cycle, particularly as it forms its characteristic skirt of dead foliage. Pests like aphids or mealybugs can affect sundews; addressing these with appropriate, non-toxic carnivorous plant-safe treatments is important to avoid harming the plant.