Drosera intermediaDrosera, also known as longleaf sundew or waterdew, is one of the most fascinating and widespread carnivorous plant species within the genus Drosera. This perennial plant stands out for its ability to attract, capture, and digest small insects using mucilaginous gland-coated leaves. Its beauty, ease of cultivation, and unique feeding method make it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced botanical gardeners.
Origin, distribution and natural habitat of Drosera intermedia
Drosera intermedia is a cosmopolitan distribution plant, present in both temperate and tropical zones. It can be found in Europe, eastern North America, southeastern Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, and South America. It typically grows in sunny, constantly moist habitats and in nutrient-poor soils such as swamps, lakeshores, wet grasslands, wetlands, and sandy shores.
This type of habitats characterized by the scarcity of nitrogen and other mineral nutrients explain its evolution toward carnivory, a unique adaptive mechanism to complement its nutritional needs. Therefore, Drosera intermedia thrives where few other plants can survive, becoming an essential component of humid ecosystems.
Botanical characteristics and morphology
This species develops in semi-erect basal rosette shape, with elongated, spatulate leaves that can reach up to 10 cm in height. The bright red tentacles on its leaves, which are generally green, secrete a sticky mucilage that acts as a trap and a source of digestion.
The flowers emerge on stems up to 15 cm long, forming inflorescences of several specimens (usually 3 to 8 flowers) that are white with pinkish tinges. The plant produces abundant tiny seeds, which are dispersed by the wind and germinate under suitable conditions such as constant light and humidity.
How Drosera intermedia works: the carnivorous process
- Attraction: Its leaves secrete a sugary nectar that shines in the light and emits a tempting aroma for insects.
- Capture: When an insect lands on the mucilage, it immediately becomes stuck due to its viscosity.
- Immobilization: The tentacles move slowly to wrap around the prey and increase the contact surface.
- Digestion: The plant releases enzymes from sessile glands that break down the insect's body, allowing for the absorption of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Absorption and restart: After digestion, the nutrients are absorbed and the insect remains are released, leaving the leaf ready for a new capture.
This strategy allows Drosera intermedia to survive and grow in impoverished soils, showing one of the fastest and most efficient active capture methods known in the plant kingdom.
Main types of Drosera and other relevant species
- Drosera capensis: Popular and easy to grow, ideal for beginners. Long, thin leaves with red tentacles that secrete mucilage.
- Drosera rotundifolia: Rounded leaves with abundant mucilage, native to Europe and other temperate continents.
- Drosera spatulata: Easy to identify by its spatula-shaped leaves. Widely spread throughout Asia and Oceania.
- Drosera intermedia: Long, narrow leaves, well adapted to swampy areas with constant humidity.
- Drosera binata: With leaves divided into two parts, forming a characteristic "fork." Predominant in Australia.
- Drosera regia: Considered the largest of the genus, with long, erect leaves, exclusive to South Africa.
Each species presents variations in adaptation and requirements, with Drosera intermedia being one of the most flexible and resistant.
Complete guide to caring for Drosera intermedia
- Light: Requires lots of natural light, preferably direct sunlight during the less intense hours (mornings). If grown indoors or in low-light areas, it can be supplemented with full-spectrum artificial light.
- Substratum: Prefer acidic and well-draining soils. Optimal mixes include blond peat (sphagnum) combined with perlite or silica sand. Example mix: 50% blond peat, 50% perlite, or 1:1 sphagnum/silica sand.
- Humidity: Requires high humidity (ideally between 60 and 80%). It is essential to avoid drying out the substrate or exposing it to excessive artificial heat.
- Irrigation: Keep the substrate always moist. Use distilled, osmosis or rainwaterThe tray method is the most recommended: place the pot on a tray of water and never wet the leaves directly.
- Temperature: Tropical varieties thrive between 24 and 27°C, while temperate varieties can withstand colder temperatures but require winter dormancy. Avoid sudden changes.
- Ventilation: Ventilate the environment regularly if growing in a terrarium to avoid fungal diseases, but avoid exposing it to excessive dry air currents.
Specific growing requirements and recommendations
Position: Place the pot in a bright location, but protected from the strong midday sun, which can burn the leaves in very hot weather. An east- or west-facing location is ideal.
Flowerpot: Although it can grow in shallow pots, if you notice long roots, use containers up to 15 cm deep to allow for full growth. Always use plastic pots to prevent salt transfer.
Avoid fertilizers: Never fertilize or apply chemical fertilizersDrosera intermedia is very sensitive to mineral salts and fertilizers, which can quickly kill it. All of its food should come from captured insects or occasionally from foliar sprays with specialized solutions for carnivorous plants, if necessary.
Monitoring: Pay special attention to the color of the tentacles, which should be reddish or pink and have beads of mucilage. If they look dull, transparent, or dry, immediately check the light, water, and humidity levels.
Typical diet and prey
This carnivorous plant feeds mainly on mosquitoes, flies, aphids, small arthropods and other insects small in size that get caught in its leaves. At the domestic level, the plant does not need to be fed manually If you are in an open environment where you can catch natural insects, you can occasionally offer small live insects.
The digestion process can last from hours to several days, depending on the size and type of prey. After absorbing the nutrients, the insect remains dry and can be removed manually to keep the plant clean.
Reproduction of Drosera intermedia
- By seeds: This is the most common and effective method. Seeds from temperate cultivars require cold stratification (simulating winter in a cold, humid environment), while tropical cultivars do not. Sow on the surface, uncovered, in moist substrate, and maintain high light and humidity until germination.
- By cuttings: It can be multiplied through leaf or root cuttings. Cut mature leaves or healthy roots and place them on moist, sterile substrate until they develop new plantlets.
- Division: Adult plants can be divided during transplanting by carefully separating the rosettes and roots.
Tip: Always treat seeds and cuttings with a mild fungicide to avoid problems during the germination process.
Transplant, acclimatization and advanced care
Transplant It is recommended to repot in spring, just before peak growing season. Always use fresh, well-aerated, nutrient-poor substrate. It is not necessary to repot every year; repot only when root congestion or obvious deterioration of the substrate is observed.
For purchased or grown plants vitroThe acclimatization process should be gradual, maintaining high humidity and diffused light and ventilating daily until the plant adapts to the outdoor environment or traditional substrate.
Common problems, diseases and prevention
- Yellow or mucilage-free leaves: This could be due to a lack of light, excess salts, hard water, degraded substrate, or low humidity. Adjust conditions and rinse the substrate if necessary.
- Appearance of mold: It occurs due to excess humidity without ventilation. Reduce relative humidity and remove diseased leaves.
- Loss of color in tentacles: Make sure the plant receives sufficient indirect sunlight and adequate humidity.
- Pests: It's rare, but mites or aphids may be present in indoor crops. Remove them manually or use very diluted potassium soap.
Uses, toxicity and curiosities
- Ornamental uses: Due to its exotic appearance and characteristic shine, Drosera intermedia is used in gardening, swamp gardens, and even in terrariums and rare plant collections.
- Traditional medicine: Although some species of the Drosera genus have been historically used as expectorants, antispasmodics, and home remedies, their medicinal use should be approached with caution. They may cause allergies or interact with medications. Never use parts of the plant without consulting a healthcare professional.
- it is not toxic for pets or humans on contact, but ingestion is not recommended.
Due to its adaptability and beauty, Drosera intermedia is one of the most recommended carnivorous plants for both experts and beginners in the fascinating world of carnivorous species. It offers an extraordinary combination of hardiness, ecological function, ornamental value, and ease of propagation, making it an ideal addition to any botanical collection. Caring for it not only brings us closer to the wildest nature but also teaches us about the incredible diversity and adaptability of plants in the most demanding ecosystems.
