Drosera spatulata
rosy sundew
Eastern and northern Australia, eastern Asia, New Zealand, Pacific
Overview
Drosera spatulata is a small carnivorous perennial in the sundew family (Droseraceae), forming a flat rosette 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) across that stays green through the year rather than dying back to a tuber. The spoon-shaped leaves are covered with red, stalked glands, or tentacles, each tipped with a drop of sticky fluid that traps small insects; the leaf then curls around the catch and absorbs nutrients from it, an adaptation to wet, low-nutrient ground. From spring into summer it sends up slender flower stalks 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall, each carrying several small white to pink five-petalled flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across that open one or a few at a time. It grows in permanently or seasonally wet, open ground, such as bog margins, seepage lines, and damp sandy soils, across eastern and northern Australia and widely through eastern Asia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. The plant needs constant moisture, full light, and acidic, low-nutrient soil. It is sensitive to drying out and to fertiliser, and is crowded out by taller plants. The small rosette is easily lost among other vegetation, and cultivation usually means a dedicated bog pot.
Native Range
Drosera spatulata is native to eastern and northern Australia and widely through eastern Asia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. It grows in permanently or seasonally wet, open ground, including bog margins, seepage lines, and damp sandy soils.Suggested Uses
Grown by carnivorous-plant growers in bog pots, trays, and terrariums that hold constant moisture. It suits collections of sundews and other bog plants. The trapping leaves draw interest as an example of insect-catching adaptation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1" - 2"
Bloom Information
Small white to pink flowers open on slender stalks from spring into summer, roughly October to March in the native range. The flowers open one or a few at a time over several weeks. Each flower lasts a short time before the stalk sets seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pinkFoliage Description
green to redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Grow in full light in constantly moist to wet, acidic, low-nutrient soil such as a sand and peat mix, with the pot standing in a tray of rainwater. No fertiliser is used, as the plant draws nutrients from trapped insects and is harmed by feeding. Tap water and garden soil are avoided, since dissolved minerals damage the roots. The rosette stays green year-round and is sensitive to drying out. Open surroundings matter, as taller plants shade and crowd the small rosette. It is usually grown in a dedicated bog pot or terrarium rather than open beds.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent flower stalks can be removed once seed has set, or left to self-sow into the pot. Dead outer leaves can be cleared from the rosette to limit mould in still, humid conditions.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing