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Drosera filiformis tracyi, the Southern Dewthread, is a
temperate Drosera found in the Southern most regions of
Mississippi and Alabama, and along the Florida panhandle.
It is frequently seen in strikingly large stands along
moist roadsides, bogs, and sandy moist depressions in
pine woods.
Drosera filiformis tracyi is the largest Sundew species
in the United States. The Southern Dewthread is large,
getting up to 20 inches tall. This species differs
visually from the more Northern variety by being slightly
larger and the glands on the tip of the tentacles are
greenish. The Southern Dewthread produces fertile pink
flowers in April.
The narrow green leaves are upright and covered with
hundreds of tiny green hair-like structures, which are in
turn covered by a mucilage in which insects are trapped
and then digested. Enzymes are produced by the hairs
which dissolve the insect, which is then absorbed by the
leaf.
Hardiness zones 8-11, (-10°C/15°F, 4°C/40F) 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. The soil should be a mixture of 2
parts peat moss and part sand, or 50/50. Drosera
filiformis tracyi appreciates a tall pot.
As Winter approaches, Drosera filiformis tracyi will slow
down in growth, and one by one, their leaves will turn
black. The entire plant will shut down into a small bud
called a hibernacula found resting on the soil surface.
This is perfectly normal because they require 3-4 months
of Winter dormancy, which is triggered by cold
temperatures, below 50°F and lower light conditions. The
typical heated home is too warm in the Winter. As
container plants, they can survive temperatures down to
10°F for brief periods of time during their dormancy.
During dormancy, they won't require any light. However,
they still require water, so make sure their soil never
dries out. Keep your pot in no more than a quarter inch
of water.
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%.
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