Visual Description:

Drosera aliciae, commonly known as Alice Sundew, is a striking carnivorous plant characterised by its rosette of reddish-green, spoon-shaped leaves. Each leaf is covered in glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage, giving the plant a dewy, glistening appearance. This mucilage is used to trap and digest small insects, which provide essential nutrients to the plant. The compact rosette structure and vivid colour make Drosera aliciae a visually appealing addition to any carnivorous plant collection.

Country of Origin:

Native to the Cape region of South Africa.

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 a slight cooling 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 aliciae is adept at catching its own prey, but occasionally feeding it small insects can promote growth.
• Dormancy: Unlike some other Drosera species, Drosera aliciae does not require a strict dormancy period but may slow its growth during cooler months.

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.