February 7, 2023

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Drosera spatulata, commonly known as the Spoon-Leaved Sundew. This carnivorous plant belongs to the Droseraceae plant family along with 194 other species. At Tonkadale we also carry its close relative Drosera capensis, commonly known as the Octopus plant. Drosera spatulata range from New Zealand to Tasmania, and Australia, through southern Asia, and into China and Japan. This sundew plant is known for its adorable rosette habit, spatulate leaf form, and sticky sap-like droplets on the foliage. This sticky sap resonates from small glands, an adaptation to capture insects and aid in digestion as the nutrients are absorbed through the foliage. This variety stays very small and is a great beginner level plant for carnivorous plant lovers and collectors. Carnivorous plants can be extremely rewarding but do require special care to thrive in your home.

Let’s talk about care. Sundew thrive in full to part sun in the home. Find the brightest window for your new plant, especially during the short days of winter. Adding supplemental light can increase light quantity and quality if you are lacking in the light department. Pay special attention to your watering method. Bottom water your sundew by setting it in a tray filled with distilled water. Carnivorous plants are bog-dwelling and require evenly moist soil and high humidity to thrive. These plants are also sensitive to excess minerals in potting mix, hence the distilled water. When it’s time to repot, create a custom potting soil consisting of 3 parts Peat Moss and 1 part Perlite. Sphagnum Moss works great as a potting media as well! If you are wondering what to “feed” these adorable plants, we recommend letting nature do its thing. Sundew snack on fungus gnats and fruit flies - good for them; good for us! Sundew do not like cold temperatures. Make sure they are in a warm environment with lots of humidity – a great option for a terrarium.

Drosera spatulata and Drosera capensis are available at Tonkadale in 2” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!