Drosera binata aka Forked Sundew

Drosera binata is a plant that eats insects and lives for years. It belongs to the sundew family, Droseraceae. Its common names are forked sundew and double-leaved sundew. It comes from southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It also grows in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. It lives in sandy marshes near coasts, swamps, and bogs. These wet sites help explain its needs when grown.

Plants form thick clumps of slim, upright, forked leaves. They grow about 0.5–1 foot (0.15–0.3 metres) tall and wide. Some grow larger when the site suits their needs. The RHS gives a top size of 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Sticky glandular hairs cover the leaves and trap small insects. The plant then digests the prey it has caught. The hairs are red. Leaves range from pale green to red. Light and the supply of nutrients affect their colour. The RHS calls the leaves deciduous, meaning they shed seasonally.

White flowers rise above the leaves on branched scapes, or flower stalks. They bloom in groups in summer, from June to August. Each bloom is about 0.04–0.08 feet (0.013–0.025 metres) across. The blooms have a scent and add interest above the leaves. The forked leaves and red hairs add colour too. This small plant suits bog gardens, pond edges, and pots. It can also grow indoors, in greenhouses, or in conservatories.

Give outdoor plants full sun and wet, acidic soil with few nutrients. In pots, use a mix with sand or perlite. Sources differ on how well the soil should drain. Both say it must stay moist. Under glass, give bright light and shade from hot sun. Use rainwater, deionized water, or other water free of lime. Keep the mix wet while the plant grows. During its winter rest, keep it moist, not sodden. A long spell below 40°F can make it go dormant. Warm, humid rooms with extra light can let growth go on. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 7–9. The RHS rates it H3.

The plant needs much care, though reports list few pest or disease problems. Both garden sources report little trouble from pests or diseases. Cut off dead top growth in late autumn. Grow new plants from seed or by splitting clumps. Dormant root cuttings offer one more way to grow them. The RHS gives two to five years to reach maturity. Buy plants from sellers who do not take wild stock.