Origin
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon is a species of carnivorous plant from the family Droseraceae. It is native to Tanzania, a country in East Africa. It grows in wetlands and areas with high humidity.
Common names
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon is also known as the Sundew Compacta or Compact Sundew. It is named after the sticky, dew-like droplets on its leaves which can be mistaken for morning dew.
Appearance
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon is a small, rosette-forming plant. It grows to be about 2.5 cm in diameter and 3 cm in height. Its leaves are spoon-shaped and well-rounded at the tips. The leaves are covered in reddish tentacles which produce a sticky, mucilaginous secretion that traps small insects.
The plant produces delicate, pink flowers on a thin stem which grows from the center of the rosette. The flowers are small, only about 0.5 cm in diameter.
Uses
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its small size and attractive appearance. It is commonly grown in terrariums and bog gardens. As a carnivorous plant, it is also used to control insect populations in these environments.
The sticky secretion on its leaves has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs and wounds. However, the effectiveness of these remedies has not been scientifically proven and the plant is not commonly used in modern medicine.
Light Requirements
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon requires bright, direct sunlight or full-spectrum artificial lighting for at least 12 hours a day. Without adequate light, the plant may become weak and leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions, so it thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C). It needs a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C) to survive but will not tolerate temperatures below that. High temperatures above 90°F (32°C) should be avoided, as they may cause stress to the plant or even death.
Soil Requirements
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon prefers a well-draining, nutrient-poor soil that is typically found in its natural habitat. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. A mixture of sphagnum moss, sand, and perlite is a popular choice for carnivorous plant enthusiasts.
Cultivation of Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon is a carnivorous plant native to South Africa, which grows best in a warm and sunny environment. It requires relatively high humidity levels and well-draining soil.
The plant should be kept in a pot with peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand mixture. The pot should have a drainage system to remove excess water that may cause root rot.
Watering Needs of Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon requires constant moisture, and the soil should be kept moist at all times. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as this may cause root rot.
The best way to water the plant is by using the tray method, which involves filling a tray with water and placing the pot containing the plant on top. The water will be absorbed by the soil through the drainage holes in the pot bottom.
Fertilization of Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon derives nutrients from the insects it captures, and thus, it does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can supplement the diet with a balanced carnivorous plant fertilizer, diluted to half of the strength recommended by the manufacturer, once or twice a month.
Do not use conventional fertilizers, as they may contain substances that are harmful to the plant.
Pruning Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon does not require pruning since new growth will emerge from the center of the rosette. However, you may remove any dead or dying leaves to enhance the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon can be propagated through different methods including via seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation via Seeds
The easiest method to propagate Drosera compacta is through seeds. The plant produces seeds naturally at the end of its active growing season. To collect the seeds, let the flowers dry up completely and the seed heads turn brown before harvesting. Once collected, the seeds can be sowed directly on moist sphagnum moss or peat moss mix. To increase chances of germination, the containers should be covered and kept in a warm and humid place. Germination can take up to six weeks, and once the plants have two true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final potting containers.
Propagation via Vegetative Cuttings
Another option for propagating Drosera compacta is through vegetative cuttings. Cut a leaf from the plant with a sharp blade and plant in a pot with the appropriate soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist and warm, and they should root and start growing new plants in a few weeks. Another method is to take a stem cutting with some rosettes and place it in a container with damp sphagnum moss or peat moss mix. Cover the container to maintain warmth and humidity, and the plant will develop new roots and produce more rosettes, which can then be separated into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon
Drosera compacta Exell & J.R.Laundon, commonly known as the compact sundew, is a carnivorous plant that is relatively easy to care for. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is essential to ensure the plant's health and longevity.
Common Diseases
The compact sundew is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including leaf spot and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is characterized by circular brown spots on the leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves.
To manage fungal diseases, remove infected leaves immediately and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used as a last resort.
Common Pests
The compact sundew may also be susceptible to pests, including spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny spider-like insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye, while aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that may appear in clusters on the plant.
To manage spider mites and aphids, use a gentle spray of water to remove them from the plant. Neem oil or insecticidal soap may also be used to control infestations. Use caution when using pesticides, as they may harm the plant if not used properly.
Regularly inspecting the compact sundew for signs of disease or pests and taking prompt action to manage them will help ensure the plant's health and vitality.
