Description
Drosera are the most numerous genus of carnivorous plants, with over 200 species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Their leaves are covered with tentacles with a bright drop of mucilage at the tip, which looks like dew but is a deadly trap. When an insect is caught, the tentacles slowly bend toward the prey to maximize digestive contact. Their extraordinary diversity of forms makes them very popular among collectors.
Specific care
They are very rewarding and easy to grow. They need moist substrate with the tray method and good light. Temperate climate Drosera (D. rotundifolia, D. anglica) need winter dormancy. Tropical ones (D. capensis, D. aliciae) grow continuously and are perfect for beginners. D. capensis is the most recommended to start with.
Drosera tentacles can bend and surround prey in less than a minute in some species. The mucilage is so strong it can retain insects as large as a horsefly.
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