Differences between sundew species
So far, over 200 different varieties of Drosera are known that occur all over the world. All species have in common that they form long tentacles that are covered with drops of a sticky secretion. Insects stick to this “glue”, the tentacles roll up and are digested by the leaves of the plant.
also read
- Caring for sundew is not easy
- Is sundew hardy or does it have to be overwintered?
- The heyday of sundew (Drosera)
Experts differentiate between the following main types:
- Subtropical sundew
- Tropical sundew
- Queensland sundew
- Dwarf sundew
- Hardy (native) sundew
Some of the hardy varieties can be grown all year round in the bog bed or on the balcony. Mostly, however, sundew is cultivated as a houseplant.
Known native species of the sundew
| Surname | blossom | Hardiness | Growth habit | particularities | Outdoor cultivation | suitable for beginners? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D. aliciae | violet | must be overwintered | first rosette, later trunk | red leaves when exposed to sunlight | conditionally possible | Yes |
| D. anglica | White | hardy | Rosette, overwintering buds | long-leaved | Yes | Yes |
| D. capensis | pale purple | hardy | rosette | easy to hold | conditionally possible | Yes |
| D. intermedia | White | hardy | rosette | many thin tentacles | Yes | conditional |
| D. rotundifolia | White | hardy | rosette | round leaves | Yes | conditional |
Drosera species with higher demands
If you follow the care To trust more demanding sundew species, you need a lot of time, sufficient space and one or more terrariums.
Most of these varieties, such as the Queensland Drosera and the tropical and subtropical representatives of their kind, need a lot of light, high humidity and a special one wintering. The ideal environmental conditions can only be created in the terrarium.
These species are not suitable for normal housing because the risk of mold growth should not be underestimated.
Tips
There are several types of Sundewsthat are only suitable for keeping in the room to a very limited extent. These include: tuber sundew and species from South Africa that have storage roots. These varieties make demands on location and care that can only be met by experts.