Friday, November 28, 2014

Drosera prolifera seems to be doing better

I received a Drosera prolifera back in April from the NASC Auction. It struggled for a while in my care, and by August or so it was looking pretty shot.

Drosera prolifera looking terrible.
This poor plant looks fried.
I suspect its original conditions had had somewhat lower light and decidedly higher humidity. This photo was actually taken shortly after I moved it from its original position directly under the lights to a new one at the edge of the tray, where the light is somewhat reduced. I guess my instinct with this plant was correct, because it's looking pretty good lately.

Drosera prolifera.
It's really neat seeing them reach up out of the moss.
Also looking good is that Sphagnum. It's growing like crazy, and it's all the D. prolifera can do to reach up above it with its extra long petioles. There are also several babies poking up around the pot.

Drosera prolifera plantlet.
D. prolifera plantlets have to work to not get swallowed by moss.
Drosera prolifera plantlet.
Living Sphagnum is a pretty cool potting medium, but it makes the plants work for it.
One thing I've noticed about plants I receive from other growers is that sometimes they'll severely shrink back in my conditions and then regrow nicely. One thing it's good to know when trading or buying plants is what their typical growing conditions are. It can help you acclimate them to their new homes more easily.

My Drosera adelae (another of the Three Sisters of Queensland, and a close relative of D. prolifera) is going bonkers.

Drosera adelae bush.
Look at this ridiculous D. adelae bush. I wonder if this is how they look in habitat.
It's also sending roots out the bottom of the pot and tossing up plantlets in the tray water.

Drosera adelae plantlets in the tray water.
I should take care that the roots don't invade other pots.
I sorta feel silly deciding to do some leaf cuttings of D. adelae as part of the Summer Batch. The cutting that struck is looking cute though!

Drosera adelae plantlets.
It's so pretty and gem-like when small like this.
Wish I could get that nice red color on my mature plants.

Finally, in non-carnivorous news, there's a flower bud forming on my Aloe x spinosissima.

Aloe x spinosissima flower bud.
Aloes bloom in winter, and there are lots planted around the Bay. It's a real treat.
This is the first year it will bloom, and I'm excited. Aloe flowers are really pretty.

3 comments:

  1. Wow, that D. adelae is very crazy, looks like you got plenty of plants to sell and trade!

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    1. Hahahah, yeah if I ever get around to repotting it. I bet I could separate off plantlets pretty easily. I should add it to the sales page.

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  2. Yea, it's very easy, you just pull them and they usually come right out with a few of there roots too.

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