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Drosera lowriei is a tuberous Drosera growing in South
Western Australia. It grows in sand, near a source of
water.
Drosera lowriei is a small plant, to 4 cm in diameter. It
grows as a green rosette with maroon red margins and mid-veines.
It produces white flowers that may be 5, 6 or 7-petalled,
but usually 5.
It's an insectivorous plant, it can survive in nitrogen
poor soils because it gets the nutrients it needs from
insects. The upper surfaces of leaves are covered with
hairs that secrete a sweet sticky substance. This
attracts insects, which become smeared with it and unable
to escape. The plant then exudes a digestive fluid that
enables it to absorb most of the insect into its system.
Growth occurs during the Winter months. It is important
to respect the seasonal pattern of growth in cultivation.
Once the plant starts to die back and enter dormancy the
soil should be allowed to gradually dry out as the plant
starts storing up energies in the tuber for the next
season's growth. During the Summer months, reduce
watering. Tuberous sundews can only be repotted when
dormant, as the stem connecting the tuber to the soil
surface is delicate.
Hardiness zone 9, (-5°C/25F) in Winter. The plants like
sun. Temperatures well above 25°C/78°F can cause them
to die back and will kill seedlings. They should be grown
in bright light, but with protection from full midday sun.
In cloudy coastal areas, artificial light is preferable.
Use a soil mix of 1 part sand for 1 part peat moss. There's
no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for
food. They require seasons in order to survive long term.
They need a dormant period of about 3 months in Summer.
At this time the compost should be allowed to dry
slightly.
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.
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