Carnivorous Sundew Drosera Aliciae
Drosera Aliciae is a very unusual-looking ultimate fungus gnat killer! This native to Cape Provinces of South Africa plant is easy to grow! Perfect, natural alternative to yellow sticky traps for flies including fungus gnats! This beautiful houseplant is pet friendly and easy to care. Each plant comes with beautifully illustrated care guides created by our local artis.
The best place to start with carnivorous plants is by understanding their natural habitat and how their environment has led them to form such unique adaptations. Carnivorous plants have been on the planet for a long time, around forty million years and have been found on almost every continent and tropical island with Antarctica being the only exception.
Carnivorous plants are typically found in areas that are high in natural light and moisture, as well as water-logged areas like swamps where the nutrients in the soil are virtually non-existent. Many of their strange adaptations have been formed from this lack of nutrients.
All plants need basic nutrients to survive and without them, they don’t stand much of a chance.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the most important nutrients plants need, nitrogen is the main component in chlorophyll which plants use for photosynthesis. The other is phosphorus, which is needed to make this process possible. Plants use phosphorus to take in, store and convert the sun’s rays. Without it, they would be unable to use the sun’s energy to create the biomolecules (proteins, amino acids, DNA) they need to grow and reproduce.
Carnivorous plants have adapted over millions of years to get these essential nutrients from their environment. Unable to get these nutrients from the soil they have formed traps to capture insects and small creatures that are rich in the nutrients they lack.
There are approximately 600 different species that fall into the Carnivorous plant category. These different species have found ways of attracting, trapping, killing, and absorbing their prey purely to extract the nutrients they need for survival.
Most carnivorous plants will use bright colours, distinctive smells, and sticky surfaces to attract insects but there are some key mechanisms that make up the variations of carnivorous plants and most species can be spread across these different hunting strategies
- Snap traps use rapid leaf movement to snap shut and capture their prey.
- Bladder traps suck in their prey with a small internal vacuum.
- Pitfall traps entice prey into a small rolled-up leaf with digestive enzymes.
- Flypaper traps utilize sticky mucus to trap their prey.
- Eel traps use inward-facing hairs to force their prey towards the digestive organ.
Click here to check our care instructions to find out how to look after your carnivorous plant.
Would you like to learn about carnivorous plants? Check our article here.
Pet Friendly
- How should I care for my Drosera Aliciae to ensure it thrives?
- Place your Drosera Aliciae in a location with full, natural light and keep the soil consistently moist using distilled or rainwater. Avoid fertilisers and regular tap water as these can harm the plant due to the minerals and chemicals they contain.
- Is the Drosera Aliciae suitable for a terrarium environment?
- Yes, Drosera Aliciae is well-suited for terrarium settings due to its need for high humidity and consistent moisture. Ensure the terrarium is well-ventilated and has plenty of light to mimic its natural swampy habitat.
- Can Drosera Aliciae coexist with other houseplants?
- Drosera Aliciae can be kept with other moisture-loving plants, but it should not be placed too close to other houseplants as its sticky leaves may inadvertently trap them. It’s best kept in its own space where it can catch small insects effectively.
☀️ Light
☀️☀️☀️ (High)
The Carnivorous Sundew Drosera Aliciae thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It’s ideal to place it near a window where it can soak up plenty of light without being exposed to harsh direct sunlight, which could scorch its delicate leaves.
💧 Water
💧💧💧 (High)
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use rainwater or distilled water for best results, as tap water can contain minerals that might harm the plant over time.
🌡️ Temperature
🌡️🌡️▫️ (Average)
Drosera Aliciae prefers cooler to average room temperatures, ideally between 10°C to 24°C. Make sure to protect it from drastic temperature changes and cold drafts.
💦 Humidity
💦💦💦 (High)
This plant loves humidity! Aim for a humidity level of 60% or higher. If your home is dry, consider using a humidity tray or a small humidifier to maintain optimal conditions.
🪴 Repotting
Repot your Drosera Aliciae every one to two years or when you see that it has outgrown its pot. Use a soil mix specifically designed for carnivorous plants, which is usually sphagnum moss-based and free from added nutrients.
🐾 Pet Friendliness
This plant is non-toxic and safe for pets. However, it’s still best to keep it out of reach to avoid any accidental damage to its delicate traps.
✅🪴 Recommended Locations at Home
Place your Carnivorous Sundew in well-lit parts of your home such as near east or south-facing windows. It’s also a great addition to well-lit bathrooms where humidity levels are naturally higher.
🌬️🪴 Air Purifying
While not specifically known for air-purifying abilities, Drosera Aliciae helps control flying pests naturally, contributing to a more pleasant home environment.
✨ Other Plant Features
Beyond its bug-catching capabilities, Drosera Aliciae is fascinating with its dew-covered tentacles that glisten in the sunlight – a truly unique and engaging plant to watch!
Remember, you can always ask Mossbot for more help, contact us via our website, or take advantage of our free plant hospital service if you need further assistance with your plants.
Free Care Guide With Every Purchase
Scan the plant pot QR for instant access to our care guide for your plant. No hassle, no stress, just healthy and happy plants.
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