Growing Drosera aliciae from seed
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Drosera aliciae. These plants are 5 cm across.


Seedlings with one true leaf.

Drosera aliciae is found cape region of South Africa. The small plant makes an excellent addition to any terrarium.

Drosera aliciae isn't very picky about soil. It grows well in pure sphagnum moss as well as the standard 1:1 peat:sand "CP mix". It will tend to be redder in peat and under brighter light. It may live longer in pure long-fibered sphagnum.

Sow seeds of Drosera aliciae on the surface of your medium of choice. Finely chopped live sphagnum moss over long fibered sphagnum moss or CP mix works very well but the moss can overgrow the plants. Finely chopped dead sphagnum or sand over CP mix also work well.

What you do next depends on what works best for you. Everyone has their own preferred routine. I put pots with seeds in plastic zip-lock bags under but not too close to fluorescent lights. You could also use an aquarium in a greenhouse. The purpose of the plastic bag is to maintain very high humidity and to keep out fungus gnats. Fungus gnat larvae will eat the seedlings. A temperature between 20°C to 25°C (70°F to 80°F) works best. The seeds should germinate in a few weeks. When the new plants have a few true leaves, remove the pots from the plastic bags and put them in a bright terrarium or greenhouse. The seedlings may be a little slow growing at first. Have patience.

Once the plants are large enough you can try feeding them small insects or get some dried blood worms at a pet shop. The dried blood worms can be dipped in water and placed on the dewy leaves--don't feed a plant that isn't dewy. If the food gets moldy, use less next time. A dab of 70% isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) from a small paint brush will kill the fungus.

A happy Drosera aliciae can live for years. It can easily be propagated from root and leaf cuttings. When it blooms, save the seeds to grow more. If you have lots of seed, send the extra in to the Seed Bank.



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