🌿 Drosera spathulata var. gympiensis Care Sheet
A hardy, compact sundew with spoon-shaped leaves and vivid red coloration under bright light.
📍 Origin
Gympie region, Queensland, Australia — grows in moist, sandy soils with seasonal rainfall and full sun.
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Carnivorous sundew (Drosera) |
| Size | Rosette 3–6 cm across |
| Growth Habit | Low-growing, flat rosette |
| Ideal For | Small pots, terrariums, bright windowsills, and mild-climate bog gardens |
🌞 Light Requirements
Indoors / Terrarium: Bright indirect light or full-spectrum grow lights (12–14 hrs/day).
Strong light encourages deep red coloration and dense dew production.Houseplant: North-, east-, or bright shaded west-facing windows (Southern Hemisphere).
Garden: Prefers full morning sun and light afternoon shade—avoid extreme midday heat.
💧 Watering
Method: Keep soil consistently moist; use the tray method with 1–2 cm of water.
Water Type: Rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis only.
Humidity:
Terrarium: 60–90%
Indoors: 40–70%
Garden: Adaptable if roots stay wet and sun isn’t scorching.
🪴 Soil & Potting
Mix: 1 part peat moss : 1 part perlite or silica sand. No nutrients or compost.
Pot: Shallow plastic pots (6–10 cm wide) or planted in a bog dish or bed.
Terrarium Substrate: Same mix; keep surface moss trimmed to allow airflow.
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal Range:
Day: 18–28°C
Night: 10–18°C
Tolerances: Brief exposure to temps as low as 5°C or as high as 35°C if humidity is good.
Terrarium Tip: Use airflow or open lid periodically to prevent overheating.
🌬️ Airflow & Ventilation
Terrariums: Must have airflow to avoid mold and maximize dew.
Houseplant: Normal room airflow is fine if humidity is adequate.
🌸 Flowering
Produces small pink flowers on tall stalks, often multiple times a year.
Self-fertile — sets seed easily without cross-pollination.
Remove flower stalks if plant is small or stressed.
🌱 Propagation
Seed: Readily germinates in 2–6 weeks on moist, warm substrate with light.
Leaf Cuttings: Easy — press leaf onto moist medium in high humidity.
Division: Mature clumps may form multiple crowns that can be gently separated.
🚫 Avoid
Fertilizers or mineral-rich tap water.
Low light conditions.
Overheating in sealed terrariums.
Allowing the soil to dry out.
🌿 Best Uses
| Environment | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Houseplant | ✔️ Perfect for sunny sills or under grow lights. |
| Terrarium | ✔️ Excellent for high-humidity setups with airflow. |
| Garden | ✔️ In climates with mild winters and wet summers, or in outdoor bog pots. |
📌 Tips for Success
Provide bright light daily to maintain compact growth and strong coloration.
Feed with springtails or small insects every 2–3 weeks if prey is scarce.
Keep soil damp year-round—this variety does not require dormancy.
Clean old leaves to improve airflow and reduce mold risk in terrariums.