The Drosera spatulata, commonly known as the spoonleaf sundew, is a carnivorous plant with unique spoon-shaped leaves covered in fine tentacles. These tentacles secrete a glistening, sticky “dew” that traps insects. This carnivorous nature allows the sundew to thrive in nutrient-poor environments by supplementing its diet with captured prey.
Spoonleaf Sundew Care Essentials
Light
Spoonleaf sundews thrive with ample bright light, which maintains their vibrant coloration and robust dew production. Place them in a south-facing window indoors or provide strong grow lights for 10-16 hours daily. Insufficient light reduces sticky dew and causes a duller green appearance. Avoid intense direct sunlight, especially during midday, as it can scorch the leaves.
Water
Water quality is crucial for spoonleaf sundews due to their sensitivity to dissolved minerals. Always use distilled water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup. These plants prefer consistently moist, but not waterlogged, conditions, mimicking their natural boggy habitats. The tray method, where the pot sits in a shallow saucer of water, ensures the growing medium remains hydrated through capillary action.
Growing Medium
Spoonleaf sundews require a specific, nutrient-free growing medium that provides good drainage while retaining moisture. An ideal mix consists of sphagnum peat moss blended with horticultural sand or perlite. Traditional potting soils are detrimental as their rich nutrient content can burn the plant’s delicate roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Spoonleaf sundews adapt to a range of temperatures but thrive in subtropical conditions. They prefer daytime temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), with slightly cooler nights. While they can tolerate average indoor humidity, higher humidity levels, ideally around 50-75%, encourage growth and excellent dew production. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or use a room humidifier.
Understanding Sundew Feeding
Spoonleaf sundews are carnivorous plants that derive supplementary nutrients from captured insects. The sticky mucilage on their tentacles traps small insects like fruit flies and gnats. Once an insect is caught, the leaf tentacles slowly curl inward, enveloping the prey and facilitating the release of digestive enzymes. The plant absorbs the dissolved nutrients, leaving the insect’s exoskeleton.
Indoor plants may require occasional manual feeding if insect activity is low. Small insects or crushed, dried bloodworms can be applied directly to the dewy leaves. Feeding every one to two weeks promotes growth and flowering. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive amounts can lead to mold development on the leaves.
Propagating Spoonleaf Sundews
Propagating Drosera spatulata is straightforward. This species reproduces through leaf cuttings, root cuttings, and seed propagation. Leaf cuttings are particularly easy; a healthy leaf can be removed and floated on distilled water or placed on moist sphagnum moss. Plantlets emerge from the leaf within a month or two.
Root cuttings offer a simple propagation route, as the plant’s roots can produce new plantlets when placed on a moist medium. Drosera spatulata is a self-pollinator, producing seeds that germinate easily without cold stratification. These seeds can be sown on a moist peat and sand mix, often reaching maturity within a year.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Spoonleaf sundews are resilient, but issues can arise, signaling a need for care adjustment. Lack of dew on the leaves indicates insufficient light or low humidity. Increasing light exposure or humidity levels, perhaps with a pebble tray, helps restore dew production.
Browning leaves stem from poor water quality due to mineral buildup, inadequate humidity, or dormancy. Repotting into fresh, appropriate soil addresses compaction or nutrient accumulation. Pest infestations, such as aphids or fungus gnats, stress the plant. Applying natural pesticides or ensuring good air circulation helps manage these pests.