| |
Drosera anglica is a temperate Drosera found in North
America, Europe and Northern Asia. It grows about 1
foot in height and about 1" to 2" in width.
Tiny insectivorous plant whose leaves are edged with long
hairs, each with a sticky drop on the end of the hair.
The reddish stems grow from a central rosette. They have
small white flowers on 3" long flower stems in
Summer.
The plants eat small insects to provide them with the azote
which is lacking where it lives. When an insect becomes
entangled in the hairs, the leaves bend inwards so that
the insect comes into contact with fine, inner hairs.
Enzymes are produced by the hairs which dissolve the
insect, which is then absorbed by the leaf. Only the
insect's exoskeleton remains which blows away when the
leaf hairs uncurl to become erect again, ready for the
next meal.
Hardiness zone 7, (-15°C/5°F) in Winter. They should be
grown in bright light, but with protection from full
midday sun. In cloudy coastal areas, artificial
light is a required. They like cool temperatures.
Temperatures should be kept between 20°C/68°F, 25°C /
80°F.
They require seasons in order to survive long term. They
need a dormant period of about 3 months in the Winter.
The typical heated home is too warm in the Winter. During
the Winter the pots should not sit in water and need to
be kept cool. The entire planter may be moved to an area
where the temperature will remain at 8-10°C / 45-50°F.
It doesn't even mind a light frost. Protect from dry
freezing wind during deep freezes by covering the plant
with black plastic. Uncover the plant when the deep
freeze and dry freezing wind is over. Otherwise, place it
in a refrigerator for 3-5 months in a ziplock bag. At
this time the compost should be allowed to dry slightly.
A soil mix of 3 part peat moss for one part sand
usually works well. Also consider a mix of chopped
sphagnum and sand. There's no need to fertilize, as
the plant relies on insects for food.
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out
between waterings. Water must be distilled or rain water
because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a
good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about
an inch of water in it, under the pot. Elevate the pot by
placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is
barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the
growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This
will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it
will ensure that the plant has a constant source of
moisture. The humidity should be between 60-80%.
|
|