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Byblis

Byblisare native to Australia, and, depending on the species vary from short lived annuals to longer lived perennials. They look very similar to Droserawith the main differences in the flower structures.

Insects are lured to Byblisplants through incorrect vision. What appears to the insect as dew or nectar, is in fact sticky mucilage secreted by hundreds of stalked glands on the plant. When the insect lands, it's too late, and they become a meal. Unlike Drosera, the glands and leaves on Byblisdo not move or curl around their prey. In fact, there has been some question as to whether or not Byblisis really carnivorous. Even if it was proven not to be, it is doubtful that growers would stop keeping these plants in their collection.

Species

Up until the late 1990's, there were only two species, Byblis liniflora, and Byblis gigantea. However, due to the work of Alan Lowrie, a carnivorous plant botanist in Australia, several new species have been described. These include B. filifolia, B. aquaticaand B. roridula.

Soil and Containers

Being essentially desert plants, Byblisprefer a sandy soil mixture of three parts sand to one part peat moss. Containers should be plastic. A 4 inch pot suits all species but B. giganteawhich should be kept in a 8 inch pot or larger. Watering should also be sparse, adding enough to moisten the soil, but allowing it to dry out slightly before adding more.

Climate

As mentioned, these are native to desert areas. While they do appreciate a high humidity, they don't like to be in wet, poorly drained soils. They do appreciate full sun which encourages abundant flower production. Temperatures should be warm, well above 15 degrees celsius, although B. giganteacan survive (through its roots) temperatures down to the freezing level.

Propagation

All species, except Byblis giganteaare considered annuals and can be propagated by seed only. Byblis giganteamay be propagated by seed and root cuttings.

Seed production is an easy affair for most of the Byblis. Ample flowers are produced, and they will self-pollinate themselves. Teasing the flowers with a small paintbrush helps increase the chance of abundant seed production. Seed can be sown immediately, or stored dry at 4 degrees celsius until later. Flowering size plants can be grown from seed in two months or less.

The flowers of B. giganteaare a bit more reluctant to release their pollen, but can be convinced to do so through the use of a tuning fork (the vibrations simulate the wing beat of moths which naturally pollinate these plants). The seed of both B. giganteaand some of the other varieties must first undergo fire treatment before germinating. In nature, the seed lays on the surface of the soil, waiting for fire to spread through so that other competing plants are killed giving the seedlings a better chance of survival. It's though that it's not the heat, but the smoke that stimulates germination. This can be simulated through placing seed on the surface of the pot, covering with dry and green grass, and burning, producing a smoky fire. Allow this to burn itself out and then water liberally. With luck, the seed should germinate within two weeks. Giberellic acid has also been used to successfully germinate the seed of those Byblisrequiring fire treatment.

Byblis giganteacan also be propagated through root cuttings. To do this, push aside some of the soil and select a healthy, thick root. Cut this with a sharp knife and divide up into one inch sections. Place this just below the soil surface, and you should get new growth within several weeks.

Seasonal Care

Since most species of Byblisare annuals, this entails preparing the soil for them in the spring, planting the seeds, and harvesting the seeds again in the fall. With B. gigantea, the photoperiod should be reduced in the fall and the watering cut back.

Pests and Diseases

While I have not had pests or diseases on my own plants, I assume that if there were any pests, they'd be the same as on Droserawhich means aphids! With the annual species, it's probably just as easy to start over than to treat. With B. gigantea, treat with an appropriate pesticide. If the soil is not kept overly wet, fungus should not be a significant problem.