Drosera binata aka Forked Sundew

Taxonomy

Drosera binata, also known as the forked sundew or fork-leaved sundew, is a large, perennial carnivorous plant native to Australia and New Zealand. Its leaves are uniquely narrow and branching, giving it its distinctive appearance. The plant is found in coastal areas of Australia, from Queensland to South Australia, and also in various regions of New Zealand. Some populations of Drosera binata go dormant in winter, while others thrive in tropical climates. The plant has slender, forked leaves covered in red, glandular hairs that trap and digest insects. In the summer, it produces clusters of white flowers above its foliage. There are different forms of Drosera binata, with single forked leaf varieties being the most widespread and multi-forked forms limited to eastern Australia. The size of the plant can also vary, with smaller forms found in cooler locations. Drosera binata, particularly the smaller forms, can be cultivated as terrarium plants.

Common names

Forked Sundew, Sundew, Fork Leaved Sundew

How to care for Forked Sundew

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Forked Sundew is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Soil

Forked Sundew loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Forked Sundew requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Sundew is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia