spoon-leaved sundew
Drosera spatulata
Spatulata
About this plant
Drosera spatulata, known as the spoon-leaved sundew, is a small carnivorous plant with sticky, spoon-shaped leaves that trap tiny insects. It uses these insects as a source of nutrients, which helps it grow in poor soil. This plant is popular among carnivorous plant enthusiasts and is often grown indoors or in greenhouses.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Drosera
- Family
- Droseraceae
- Higher classification
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Asia, Australia
- Distribution
- Native to parts of Asia and Australia; cultivated worldwide as a carnivorous houseplant.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Greenhouse, Balcony
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Frequent
- Watering interval
- 1–3 days
- Humidity
- High
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 15–25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9–11
- Soil pH
- acidic (4.5–5.5)
- Soil type
- peat moss and sand mix, well-draining acidic soil
Watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use the tray method by placing the pot in a shallow dish of water to maintain humidity and moisture.
Fertilizing. Fertilizing is usually not needed because the plant gets nutrients from trapped insects. If grown indoors without insects, a very diluted fertilizer can be applied occasionally during the growing season.
Drosera spatulata is a small carnivorous plant that is fairly easy to care for if you provide it with bright light and consistently moist soil. It prefers acidic, well-draining soil and benefits from high humidity. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and use rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup. Regular feeding is not necessary as it catches insects on its own.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings, Division
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring–summer
Sticky, spoon-shaped leaves with tiny red tentacles; small white or pink flowers on thin stalks.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe to keep around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Drosera spatulata is generally safe and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. However, some people with sensitive skin might experience mild irritation if they touch the sticky leaves. To avoid this, handle the plant gently and wash your hands afterward.
Common problems
Common problems include leaf browning due to too much direct sun or dry soil, and root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Uses
Grown mainly as an ornamental carnivorous plant for its unique insect-catching leaves and interesting appearance.
Notes
Prune dead leaves to keep the plant healthy. Repot every 1–2 years using a mix of sphagnum peat moss and sand or perlite. Avoid tap water; use rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.