Drosera Natalensis Seeds (South African)

Drosera Natalensis Seeds (South African)

The rosettes are flat and about 4 cm across. The leaves are spoon-shaped. The upper surface of the light green leaves, have a covering of sticky tentacles which are a dark pink or brilliant red.
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10 Drosera Natalensis Seeds (South African)
US$3.50
100 Drosera Natalensis Seeds (South African)
US$19.50
500 Drosera Natalensis Seeds (South African)
US$30.00
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Drosera Natalensis
Drosera natalensis is a small, interesting Sundew plant of South Africa, from the province of Natal. It is very easy to grow. A very popular rosette forming Sundew. The rosettes are flat and about 4 cm across. The leaves are spoon-shaped. The upper surface of the light green leaves, have a covering of sticky tentacles which are a dark pink or brilliant red. The visiting insects are attracted to the leaves by the glistening tips of the hairs. The leaves, curl around any captured prey like a fist. Once caught the insect is digested by the sticky digestive fluid poured out by the plant. This unique way of obtaining nitrogenous food enables these plants to live in soils poor in available nitrogen. Hardiness zones 8-10, (1øC/35øF, -10øC/15øF) in Winter. They should be grown in bright light, but with protection from full midday sun. In cloudy coastal areas, artificial light is preferable. If the plant gets enough light, it will produce very nice redder rosettes. Temperatures should be kept between (20øC/25øC, 68øF/76øF). They grow well in a standard peat moss/sand which can be anything from 50% to 70% peat moss. There's no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for food. The humidity should be between 60-80%. Water must be distilled or rain water because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about an inch of water in it, under the pot. This one prefers slightly drier conditions than most, so it's advisable to let the water tray dry out before refilling. Elevate the pot by placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it will ensure that the plant has a constant source of moisture.
More Information
Label Drosera natalensis
Common name Sundew
Genus Drosera
Species Drosera natalensis
Germination The seeds require 6 weeks hot stratification. Sow directly on the surface of your moist but not soaked soil mix. Do not cover them with any medium, the seeds are really tiny. After hot stratification, somewhat uncover the top of the pot, so that moisture and heat drop a little. Place the pot in an area with real nice strong light and keep the temperature around 20øC/68øF.

When you see some tiny plants starting to sprout, slowly open the top of the pot, a little each day, so that the new seedlings don't go into shock from the humidity being lowered too quickly. After hot stratification, germination usually occurs in 1-3 months, but it can be prolonged up to several months, depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't give up. Be very gentle with the new seedlings, not to destroy anything, it is very tiny. Make sure that it gets good air circulation.
Scarification / Stratification It creates a hot and moist environment for the seeds. This will break their dormancy. Place the seeds on top of a prepared soil mix. Put the pots with seeds in plastic ziplock bags under but not too close to florescent lights. A temperature around 25øC / 76øF works best. Make sure to check the seeds often. If fungus or mold appears treat it with a fungicide.
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