Brentbenedum · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
Known by hobbyists as the "floating sundew," *Drosera admirabilis* is a perennial species notable for its rosette growth habit, where new leaves appear vertically stacked above older ones, giving the illusion of floating. It is easily propagated through cuttings and seeds.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant grows in a single tight rosette-shaped leaf bundle; leaves widen towards the end and have rounded tips. The species can reach over 8 cm tall and about 5 cm in diameter when fully mature. The flowers are typically 1 cm in diameter, featuring five light-violet petals and ten yellow anthers.
Distribution & habitat
South-western Cape Province of South Africa.
Ecology
The outer tentacles are capable of bending towards prey when stimulated. The species is a perennial that flowers multiple times from spring to fall.
Cultivation notes
It can grow all year long without dormancy and prefers temperatures between 70–80 °F (21–27 °C). Optimal humidity is maintained between 25–50%. A slightly acidic soil mixture, such as a 1:1 peat to sand ratio, is best, and a taller pot is preferred to accommodate its deep-growing roots.
History & etymology
The species was first described by Paul Debbert in 1987.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 500–1,500 m
- Altitude Class
- intermediate
- Native To
- South Africa
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
- Temperature
- Day 20–28°C / Night 12–20°C
- Humidity
- 55–80%
- Notes
- Compact Western Cape rosette. One of the easiest South African species.
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