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Description:
Its leaves vary in
length from ¾ -2 inches. The numerous leaves in rosette formation,
are radial and prostrate, with the new leaves growing out over and
resting on the old ones.
The slender leaf base gives way to a rounded portion of the
leaf blade which is covered in cilia. These glandular hairs are
longer around the outer edge of the limb and are what gives
the sundew its red color.
The more sunlight the plant is exposed to, the redder it will
become. The flower
stalks arise from the center of the rosette in early spring and
fully mature anywhere from 2 to 8 inches. Flowers may be single or in
groups of up to twenty.
Generally white, but may be pink or light purple in some
cases. The flowers are
self-pollinating. The
seeds mature quickly in large quantities. The seed may be sewn
immediately or stored through the winter and sewn in the spring. The
seeds should be sewn on damp peat and not covered. If the peat remains wet at
all times, germination occurs rapidly and new plants grow
quickly.
Drosera
rotundifolia is a perennial species which goes dormant in cooler
climates. Its lifespan
is indefinite with proper care. The sundew may be grown
indoors, but requires high amounts of light. The sundew also
requires high humidity to grow properly. It may be grown in sphagnum
moss but must be kept continuously wet. No fertilizers are needed
and might cause the plant to die. Rain water is best for
watering, but chlorinated may be used if allowed to sit out for 48
hours before using.
When growing conditions are suitable, the
tentacles are able to capture prey with mucilage which gives the
plant its shiny dew-like appearance. When the prey is captured,
neighboring tentacles further enclose the victim bringing it slowly
towards the center of the leaf for digestion. The usual prey for the
sundew is generally small. Consisting mainly of gnats, whiteflies,
mosquitoes, earwigs, and anything smaller than the leaf
surface. Larger insects
may be trapped momentarily , but usually are able to escape.
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