Expert: Christopher Littrell - 5/13/2008

Question
I asked a question before if I should keep the lid to my terrarium open or closed, and I was told to keep it closed.  The only  problem with that is that it can't catch bugs and get its nutrients.  Should I catch it bugs and place them in the terrarium?  Or just let it go?

Answer
Hello Lauren,

I do not remember your question from before. It was likely another person that answered it as I tend to dissuade people from growing carnivorous plants in terrariums.

The best way to grow Drosera adelae is open pot as a houseplant in a sunny window or under strong 40 watt florescent shop lights of about 12000 lumens 5-8 inches from their leaves. Drosera adelae is an adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels so long as it has time to do so slowly. I would recommend opening the top to the terrarium an inch every three days until it is completely off the terrarium (by that time the plant will be adapted to lower humidity and can be grown open pot easily), then repot the plant in a planter or pot large enough to give the plant some growing space. Drosera adelae are notorious for cloning themselves into overgrown clumps that take over any pot size you give them within a few months. The benefits of growing the plants open pot are many. They will be healthier with stouter leaves, they will not succumb to fungus easily, they can get fresh air and less restricted light, they can be grown where they have drainage in a pot, they can be observed more easily and cared for, and they can catch their own insects.

I started with one Drosera adelae in a four inch pot just over a year ago and now have uncountable plants in a big clump in a large rectangular window planter 18 X 6 X 8 deep and no dome or terrarium at all. The planter will be full by the end of the year by the looks of it. The only place you would need some humidity help would be in a desert in humidity less than 15 percent and that can usually be done by using tall water trays under the pots. I am often astounded at the number of fruit flies, gnats, and even mosquitoes I find trapped by my sticky little Aussie sundews.

Just remember not to hit them with too much sunlight all at once as they have little ultraviolet protection. They will thrive in a south facing window if they are placed to the right side of the window where they will get several hours of morning sunlight and will be shaded from afternoon sunlight with a florescent shop light over them all day long as a supplement. Their leaves will grow slimmer and turn purplish in such light... they will also produce a huge amount of dew.

Have fun with your Lance Leaf Sundew,

Christopher