Drosera paradoxa: 1-3 Plants in a Tissue Culture Cup

Visual Description:

Drosera paradoxa is a unique and visually striking species of sundew, known for its tall, slender, and often branching stems topped with rosettes of thin, elongated leaves. Each leaf is lined with sticky, glandular hairs that secrete a dew-like mucilage, which glistens in the light and is used to trap insects. The leaves are typically bright green, with the mucilage giving them a sparkling appearance. This species is highly sought after for its unusual growth habit and its efficiency as a carnivorous plant, making it a standout in any collection.

Country of Origin:

Native to northern Australia, particularly in tropical regions where it grows in sandy, nutrient-poor soils.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Bright, direct to indirect sunlight
• 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 70-90°F (21-32°C) year-round, with high humidity

Additional Information:

• Watering Tips: Use only distilled or rainwater; avoid tap water, which can harm the plant due to its mineral content.
• Feeding: Drosera paradoxa is excellent at catching its own prey, but occasional feeding of small insects can promote faster growth.
• Dormancy: This species does not require a dormancy period and can grow year-round under the right conditions.

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.