Drosera spatulata, commonly known as the spoon-leaved sundew, is a captivating and widely appreciated carnivorous plant. Its unique appeal stems from its distinctive leaves, adorned with glistening, dew-tipped tentacles designed to ensnare unsuspecting insects. Beyond its intriguing predatory nature, this plant engages in the production of flowers, leading to the creation of seeds.
Understanding the Drosera spatulata Flower
The flowers of Drosera spatulata contrast the plant’s robust, sticky leaves. These blooms are small, often only a few millimeters across, and appear in white or light pink. They emerge from the center of the plant, on a slender, upright stalk that can reach several inches in height.
Individual flowers are arranged sequentially along this stalk, forming a cyme, where flowers open progressively from the bottom upwards. Each flower has five petals. Their subtle appearance makes them less conspicuous than the plant’s primary carnivorous structures, yet they are fully functional for reproduction.
The Flowering Process of Drosera spatulata
Flowering for Drosera spatulata begins with a single, thin flower stalk emerging from the central rosette of leaves. This stalk elongates over several days or weeks, lifting the buds clear of the sticky foliage. Multiple flower buds form, opening one at a time.
Only one or two flowers open daily, usually in the morning, and close by late afternoon. This sequential opening means the entire flowering period for a single stalk can extend for several weeks, providing a continuous display. Drosera spatulata commonly self-pollinates, meaning a single plant can produce viable seeds without needing pollen from another individual. This makes seed production a reliable outcome once the flowers have opened.
From Flower to Seed
After successful pollination, Drosera spatulata petals wilt and drop, marking the transition to seed development. At the base of the former flower, a small, green structure swells, forming a seed pod. This pod continues to mature on the drying flower stalk, drawing energy from the plant.
As the seed pod ripens, it changes color from green to dark brown or black, becoming dry and brittle. Once mature, the pod splits open, revealing the seeds within. Drosera spatulata seeds are very tiny, resembling fine black dust, and are numerous within each pod. These seeds are viable for propagation and can be gently tapped from the dried pod onto a clean surface for collection.
Caring for Your Plant During Flowering
Allowing Drosera spatulata to flower and produce seeds requires much energy from the plant. This energy expenditure may reduce new leaf growth as resources are diverted to reproduction. To support your plant during this demanding period, ensure it receives consistent, bright indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat.
Maintain consistently moist, but not waterlogged, growing media, using distilled water or rainwater. Some growers cut the flower stalk once it emerges, especially if their primary goal is to encourage lush leaf growth rather than seed production. This decision conserves the plant’s energy, allowing it to focus on developing more dew-laden leaves. The choice depends on whether you prioritize seed collection or the plant’s vegetative growth.