Sundew (botanical Drosera) can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or root division. All methods require some sensitivity. As a beginner, you should first try propagating sundews from cuttings. What you need to consider when propagating the carnivorous plant.
How to propagate sundews as a beginner?
Sundew (Drosera) can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or root division. For beginners, we recommend propagating via cuttings, in which the leaves are cut into pieces and placed on a moist substrate. Constant humidity and regular ventilation promote propagation success.
Which method for beginners?
To propagate sundews by sowing, you need a lot of patience and a favorable location for the seed pots.
If you are just starting to delve into the interesting hobby of carnivorous plants, first try growing Drosera from cuttings or by root division.
Growing sundews from cuttings
Propagation of sundew cuttings is a little different than you might be used to. No shoots are used here, but the catch leaves.
In spring, prepare small pots that you fill with substrate for carnivores and moisten well. Cut off a leaf and divide it into several pieces. Place the pieces with their bottom firmly on the substrate.
Cover the pots with transparent foil and keep them warm and bright. After two to three weeks, small bumps form on the leaf parts. The cuttings are cared for in the same way as adult sundew plants. The offshoots often bloom in the first year.
How to propagate Drosera from seeds
- Fill plant pots with substrate
- Sprinkle seeds thinly and press lightly
- do not cover with substrate (light germinator)
- Place foil over the pots
- set up warm and bright
- Keep substrate moist
It can take up to five weeks for the first germination peaks to appear. Care for the young plants just like adult plants. The new sundew will not bloom until the following year.
Root division of sundew
Cut pieces about four cm long from the root. Place them on moistened substrate in the pot. Cover the root pieces with a layer of peat moss.
Keep the pots warm and bright.
Make sure that the substrate is always moist but not too wet.
Tip
The biggest problem with propagating sundews is keeping the humidity constant while avoiding mold growth. Ventilate the plants regularly by removing the film for short periods of time.
