Drosera spatulata var. lovellae: 1-3 Plants in a Tissue Culture Cup

Visual Description:

Drosera spatulata var. lovellae is a delicate and attractive variety of the Spatulata Sundew, known for its compact rosette of spoon-shaped leaves. The leaves are adorned with glandular hairs that produce a sticky, dewy mucilage, which is used to trap and digest insects. The foliage typically displays a vibrant green hue, often tinged with red or pink, especially when grown in bright light. This variety is prized for its elegant appearance and efficient carnivorous capabilities, making it a lovely addition to any carnivorous plant collection.

Country of Origin:

Native to parts of Asia and Australasia, specifically in sandy, acidic environments.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade
• Humid environment with well-draining, nutrient-poor soil (a mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or sand)
• Keep soil consistently moist with distilled or rainwater (avoid tap water)
• Temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C) year-round, with slightly cooler temperatures during winter dormancy

Additional Information:

• Watering Tips: Use only distilled or rainwater; avoid tap water, which can harm the plant due to its mineral content.
• Feeding: Drosera spatulata var. lovellae efficiently captures its own prey, but occasional feeding of small insects can enhance growth.
• Dormancy: This variety may experience a slight dormancy period in cooler months, during which growth will slow down.

How to Harden Tissue Culture Drosera:

Gradually acclimatise your tissue-cultured plants to outdoor conditions. Start by placing the plant in a shaded area for a week, then slowly introduce it to more sunlight over the next 2-3 weeks. Maintain high humidity during this period and be cautious not to expose the plant to direct sunlight or strong winds too quickly.