Sundew 'Drosera riparia'

Drosera riparia is a miniature carnivorous plant from the sundew family growing a basal rosette up to 6 cm in diameter. Like every species within the genus Drosera, this plant uses its heavy glandular leaves to trap insects for nutrients. At the end of the stirrer-shaped leaves the density of specialized glands is the highest. The underside of the petioles is slightly hairy. The higher the intensity of exposed light, the brighter red the leaves will be. The plant produces disproportional flower stalks up to 25 cm in length. On the end of the flower stalk, a maximum of four white to faint pink flowers are opening successively. Propagation is most easily done by separating individual rosettes near the base of a mature plant. Also, harvesting and sowing seeds is possible.

Drosera riparia originates from nutrient deficient and saturated areas in Brazil. Locally In its natural habitat up to 1900 meters altitude, it is constantly exposed to extreme, daily fluctuations in temperature. 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, 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 when actively growing. 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.