Drosera aliciae aka Alice Sundew

Drosera aliciae, or Princess Alice's sundew, is an evergreen carnivorous perennial. It belongs to the sundew family, Droseraceae. Its native range lies in South Africa's southwestern Cape Province. It comes from a subtropical region. The name Drosera curviscapa is a synonym. This small plant forms tight rosettes close to the ground. These grow together into clumps or mats.

Garden plants reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) tall. Their spread ranges from 0.33–1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Plants reach their mature size within one to two years. Old leaves build up beneath the living rosette. This creates a mound about 0.05–0.13 feet (0.015–0.04 metres) high. Each spoon-shaped leaf reaches 0.08 feet (0.025 metres) long. The leaves are green but turn orange or red in strong light. Red glandular hairs cover their upper sides. Their sticky surfaces catch insects, which the leaves digest.

Deep pink flowers appear in summer on a single inflorescence. It carries between two and twelve flowers. The lower flowers open before those above them. The RHS gives its height as 0.13 feet (0.04 metres). Fresh seed offers one way to raise new plants. Sow it soon after it ripens, since storage reduces its viability. Leaf cuttings can be taken during the growing season. Root cuttings offer another option while the plant rests.

Under glass, give this sundew full light. Shade it from strong midday sun in summer when needed. Use equal parts unfertilised peat substitute and sand. The growing medium should be acidic. Keep it moist to wet while the plant grows. Stand the pot in a tray of lime-free water. Rainwater or reverse-osmosis water suits this purpose. In winter, keep the mix just moist and remove standing water. Do not add fertiliser at any time of year.

The RHS assigns this species a UK hardiness rating of H3. Its cultivation guidance still calls for winter temperatures of at least 10°C. Colder conditions can kill the top growth. The roots may produce new growth in spring. Its small size suits pots, conservatories, and greenhouse displays. The RHS also lists patio containers and subtropical planting uses. It needs no pruning and usually has few pest or disease problems. The supplied evidence does not establish edible uses or safety for people and pets.