Sundew 'Drosera menziesii'

Drosera menziesii is a carnivorous plant from the sundew family growing up to 40 cm in length. Like every species within the genus Drosera, this plant uses its heavy glandular leaves to trap insects for nutrients. The higher the intensity of exposed light, the brighter red the leaves will be. This plant grows from small reddish tubers in the ground. This species does not grow from a basal rosette but its stem directly sprouts from its tuber. At the top of this stem, relatively big, bright, pink flowers could be produced by this species. Propagation is most easily done by removal of smaller tubers near the base of a mature plant. Also, harvesting and sowing seeds is possible.

Drosera menziesii originates from loamy soils and granite outcrops of southwestern Australia. It grows in exposed, moist areas near grassy patches. For optimal growth, the optimal day temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. In the night temperatures could drop to 15 degrees Celsius. In spring and in summer this plant could also grow outdoors but make sure temperature does not drop under 15 degrees Celsius. Place this plant in a mineral rich or peaty, water retaining medium that lacks nutrients and other dissolved salts completely. Clean peat or horticultural sand are some examples. Provide this species with bright to very bright light conditions such as direct sunlight or strong artificial lights. Prevent this plant from drying out at all times when growing actively. To maintain swampy or soggy conditions, it is possible to place a perforated pot in a tray of water. Always use demineralized water; water containing even a low concentration of minerals could burn the sensitive roots. Fertilizer is best to avoid but it is possible to feed this plant with caught insects once per month.