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Drosera montana is a subtropical, small carnivorous plant,
about 2 inches, sometimes a little more, from the
Brazilian mountains and plateaus, and Venezuela; so
it doesn't mind a little frost for a subtropical.
The greens leaves have red glandular hairs that make it
look like entirely red from a distance. Leaves are
slender and tapered. The bloom is red, long, with
small pink flowers on the top. It blooms at late Winter
or early Spring.
The visiting insects are attracted to the leaves by the
glistening tips of the hairs. The leaves, curl around any
captured prey like a fist. Once caught the insect is
digested by the sticky digestive fluid poured out by the
plant. This unique way of obtaining nitrogenous food
enables these plants to live in soils poor in available
nitrogen.
Hardiness zone 10, (4°C/40°F) in Winter. Must be grown
in the shade, and must be protected from direct sun. Temperatures
should be kept below 22°C / 71°F by days, and nights
around 10°C /50°F. It apreciates cold nights, but avoid
frosts at all costs. This usually corresponds to typical
Fall weather in temperate and Mediterranean climates. If
your weather gets cool then hot again in the Fall, any
young plants will need to be protected from warm
temperatures. Drosera Montana does not go dormant in the
wild, but sometimes slows down in the Winter.
It vegetates on exposed rocks in rivers or other very
humid places. It can be planted on rocks covered
with blue algae, the rock must be already in a high
moisture condition before planting this Drosera. There's
no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for
food. You can also use a mix of 2 parts peat moss for one
part sand.
Requires 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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