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

Visual Description:

Drosera burmannii, also known as the Tropical Sundew, is a compact and fast-growing carnivorous plant. It is notable for its rosette of small, spoon-shaped leaves that are covered in sticky glandular hairs. These hairs secrete a glistening mucilage that traps insects, providing the plant with essential nutrients. The leaves of Drosera burmannii can exhibit a vibrant range of colors, from green to deep red, depending on light exposure, making it an attractive addition to any carnivorous plant collection.

Country of Origin:

Native to Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Bright, 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 70-85°F (21-29°C) year-round, with slightly cooler temperatures at night

Additional Information:

• Watering Tips: Use only distilled or rainwater; avoid tap water, which can harm the plant due to its mineral content.
• Feeding: Drosera burmannii is very efficient at catching its own prey but can be fed small insects to encourage robust growth.
• Lifespan: Drosera burmannii is an annual in the wild but can live longer under cultivation with proper care.

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.