Drosera binata

[Junglekeeper]

I'd like to hear from people who grow this sundew. Does it require dormancy? Information on the web range from 'yes' to 'no' to 'optional'. What environment is yours growing in and does it go dormant?

[flytrap]

I just saw your note...even though it was posted two years ago.

I grow D. binata outdoors year round in my bog. It usually last a few years, then we'd get a wicked cold winter here on the coast, then the plant would perish.

I've got one D. binata that's been growing on and off - with regrowth from it's undead roots popping up in different parts of my bog and even in my compost bin.

[Junglekeeper]

Hi, flytrap. The question was actually posted only last week.

I was considering growing this indoors year-round and was going to give it a try just to see what would happen. Then it occurred to me it may not be a good choice in a crowded room because of the plant's tendency to grow up then flop over - the 'dew' could be messy for both plants and people. My Drosera capensis does not have this problem. I'll likely get one each of D. adelae and D. spathulata which seem more appropriate and they do not require dormancy.

[flytrap]

Yes - you're right. This plant generally flops over...and actually works better as a mess within a hanging basket.

I had mistakened your "join date" as the posting date...so I'm a bit embarrassed. Good luck with those other great Drosera species.

[Equilibrium]

As a rule of thumb, these plants do not necessarily need a dormancy per se but more of a break. Mine are brought outside for the summer months and brought back inside sometime in mid September. I place the plants in any window and leave them be. The natural reduction in photo period will take care of the rest period these plants need. Cut back on your water and keep your medium damp not moist until such time as your plant resumes active growth. The plant will totally die back. Sometime the following March or April, you should begin to see regrowth. Now is the time to move your plant into a southern window until at such time as you are able to place it outside.

There are always exceptions to the rule. I have a Drosera binata 'Extrema' clone that was left out a little bit too long and it froze solid so I tossed it in my basement convinced it was dead and one day in March I went to toss the medium out and sterilize the pot to reuse it and there was regrowth. Blew my mind. I watered it and set it in a window and the plant not only survived but thrived.

[Junglekeeper]

I'm interested in plants that become quiescent without any dieback, similar to the cape sundew. The two species mentioned earlier appear to fit the bill. Not only will they make interesting specimens but will also help keep the fungus gnats in check. My cape sundew is covered with them right now and so must be very happy.

[Equilibrium]

Consider Mexican Pinguicula.