Drosera intermedia
spoonleaf sundew
Overview
Drosera intermedia is a small, carnivorous perennial in the Droseraceae, forming a loose rosette 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across in wet, acidic ground. The spoon-shaped leaf blades, 0.2–0.4 inch (5–10 mm) long, are held on slender erect stalks and are covered with red, gland-tipped hairs that exude sticky droplets to trap small insects. Trapped prey is digested to supplement the nitrogen-poor conditions of its bog habitat. A leafless flowering stem 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) tall arises from the side of the rosette and curves upward, carrying a few small white flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across that open in summer. In winter the plant retracts into a small resting bud called a hibernaculum. It grows in sphagnum bogs, wet peaty seeps, and the margins of acidic pools across Europe and eastern North America. It depends on permanently wet, sunlit, low-nutrient peat and dies quickly in dry, shaded, or fertilised soil. Plants are small and easily overgrown by sphagnum or taller bog plants.
Native Range
Native to Europe and eastern North America, in acidic sphagnum bogs, wet peaty seeps, and the margins of nutrient-poor pools. It ranges from Scandinavia and the British Isles to the south-eastern United States.Suggested Uses
Grown in bog gardens, peat trays, and carnivorous-plant collections on acidic, waterlogged media. It also suits terrariums and conservation plantings in restored wetlands.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Small white flowers open in summer, from June to August, a few at a time on a curved leafless stem. Flowers open only in bright conditions and often self-pollinate, setting minute seed by late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green and redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on permanently wet, strongly acidic peat or live sphagnum, with no added fertiliser. Water needs are high, and pots are stood in trays of rainwater, since tap water and dissolved minerals are harmful. It is propagated from seed, leaf cuttings, or division of the rosettes. Prey capture supplies most of its nutrients, so feeding the soil is unnecessary and damaging. The plant forms a hibernaculum and withstands winter cold while dormant. It is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this small carnivorous plant. Dead leaves can be removed as they blacken to limit fungal growth. The winter resting bud is left undisturbed until spring.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons