Website links

What's new?

Drosophyllum

The dewy pine, Drosophyllumis unique in that it prefers nearly bone dry conditions year round. All other varieties of carnivorous plants, even the tuberous sundews, require larger amounts of water during some span in their life.

Drosophyllumis native to the sandy hills of Spain and Portugal in scattered areas. You'll never find two dewy pines growing close together, as it secretes a substance to supress the growth of surrounding plants, a strategy to increase the chance that the single plant will catch more of the scarce local insects. This continues over into cultivation, and plants often have to be seperated by several feet.

The traps on Drosophyllumare like sundews. They look similar to pine needles (hence its common name) and give off a sicky sweet aroma to attract insects. Insects mistaking the 'dew' for nectar, land on the plant and are covered with the mucilage. However, the mucilage is not particularly sticky, and allows the insect to escape. Usually, the insect falls again due to its covering of mucilage and repeats this until it's so overwhelmed by this slimy substance, it succumbs and is digested by the plant.

Species

There is only one species, Drosphyllum lusitanicum.

Soil and Containers

Soil is characteristic of the area from where the dewy pine is from. An equal mix of sand, perlite, and vermiculite suits this plant well.

Drosophyllumis the only carnivorous plant which I suggest growing in an unglazed clay pot. This allows wicking away of excess water. The pot should be at least 12 inches wide, since transplanting Drosophyllumto different pots as it grows is likely to kill it.

Climate

This plant comes from humid, yet dry areas. Any rain fall quickly drains through the soil. For this reason, Drosophyllumshould be watered very sparingly, just enough to allow the soil to become damp, and it should be allowed to dry completely between waterings. This is the major cause of failure, especially with seedlings. Treat it as a desert plant!

Propagation

Currently, the only method of propagating this plant is through seed.

Large yellow flowers are produced in early spring, and seed production occurs through the summer, eventually opening and revealing large, round black seeds. The main reason seed fails to germinate is because of the hard protective shell covering the seed. Ways to increase germination include pouring boiling water over the seed, soaking the seed in water for several days, and slicing off a small peice of the coat with a sharp knife.

Seed should be sown in its permanent pot with the soil slightly damp. Once germination occurs, allow the soil to dry out. Growth is quite rapid, and adult plants can be obtained within two years.

Seasonal Care

This is one plant that demands to be left alone. Old dead leaves can be removed, though there's little chance of fungus given the dry conditions it prefers. If you discover a successful way to cultivate this difficult plant, don't change anything, as it will likely die!

Pests and Diseases

Fungus is Drosophyllum's main enemy. This includes damping off disease which kills the majority of seedlings. Keep it dry!