Alice sundew Drosera aliciae
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Alice sundew is a captivating carnivorous plant. It sports a rosette of fleshy, spatula-shaped leaves that are lined with numerous glandular tentacles, which secrete a sticky substance at the tips. This glistening secretion resembles dewdrops sparkling in the sunlight and is used to attract, trap, and digest small insects. The leaves are typically bright green to red in color, with the intensity of the red hue increasing with greater light exposure. During blooming periods, the Alice sundew produces slender flower stalks topped with small, strikingly beautiful pink to purple flowers. These blooms are arranged in a simple inflorescence, presenting a lovely contrast against the green and red of the leaves. Overall, Alice sundew is a striking species, known not only for its unusual insect-trapping mechanism but also for its showy appearance that makes it a favorite among carnivorous plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Alice Sundew
Common names
Drosera aliciae.
ToxicityTo humans
Alice sundew, also known as Drosera aliciae, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or adverse effects from handling or ingesting parts of the Alice sundew plant. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible. Ingesting non-food plants is generally not recommended and doing so may cause digestive discomfort based on individual sensitivities.
To pets
Alice sundew, also known as Drosera aliciae, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is limited information on the effects of this specific sundew species on animals, but in general, Drosera species are not listed among toxic plants for pets. Nevertheless, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Educational Interest: Drosera aliciae, commonly known as Alice Sundew, exhibits fascinating insect-trapping mechanisms that can be used for educational purposes to demonstrate plant adaptation and evolution.
- Insect Control: Alice Sundew is a carnivorous plant which captures and digests small insects, serving as a natural pest control agent in areas where it is grown.
- Horticultural Appeal: With its sticky, dew-covered tentacles and rosette form, Alice Sundew is an attractive addition to plant collections, terrariums, and carnivorous plant displays.
- Conservation Importance: Drosera aliciae can be utilized in conservation efforts as it is part of the diverse range of carnivorous plants that are often threatened by habitat loss.
- Scientific Research: The plant is of interest to researchers studying carnivorous plant mechanisms, ecological interactions, and evolutionary biology.
Medical Properties- Antitussive: Drosera aliciae has been traditionally used for its cough-suppressing properties.
- Antispasmodic: May help in relieving muscle spasms.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that could help reduce inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Drosera aliciae, commonly known as Alice Sundew, can be used in educational settings to demonstrate carnivorous plant behavior and adaptations, showcasing how it captures and digests insects.
- Alice Sundew can serve as a natural pest control agent in greenhouses, helping to manage populations of small flying insects.
- This plant may be employed in artistic projects due to its unique appearance, including botanical illustration and macro photography subjects.
- Alice Sundew can be used in science projects or experiments to study the enzymatic breakdown of organic matter, as it secretes digestive enzymes to decompose its prey.
- It is a subject of interest in botanical studies for adaptation and evolution, specifically concerning plant strategies in nutrient-poor environments.
- Alice Sundew might be used in terrariums for its aesthetic appeal, adding a unique visual component to miniature ecosystems.
- The plant can also act as a natural indicator of environmental health, especially in habitats where it grows natively, signaling changes based on its growth patterns.
- Hobbyists may use it in cultivation competitions or for breeding purposes to produce hybrids with desirable traits.
- Alice Sundew can inspire biomimicry in engineering and design, particularly mechanisms mimicking the sticky, insect-trapping surface of its leaves.
- In food presentation for gourmet cuisine, though not edible, Alice Sundew could be used as a temporary, decorative element to create a unique dining experience.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Alice sundew is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Alice sundew is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: As a carnivorous plant, the Drosera aliciae, also known as Alice Sundew, must wait calmly and patiently for its prey to come into contact with its sticky tentacles.
- Strategy and intelligence: The Alice Sundew has evolved an intricate method to capture insects, symbolizing the use of strategy and intelligence to meet one's needs.
- Adaptation: Alice Sundew's adaptation to nutrient-poor environments suggests the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Allurement: The sticky glands of the Alice Sundew lure insects in much the same way beauty or charm can entice, symbolizing attraction and enticement.
- Deception: Since Alice Sundew traps insects by presenting a false promise of nectar, it can symbolize deceit or the idea that not everything that seems attractive is good for you.
WaterThe Cape Sundew, or Drosera aliciae, should be kept moist at all times, meaning it should sit in about half an inch of distilled water or rainwater. Use the tray method by placing a tray under the pot and fill it with water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up. Check the water level daily and refill the tray to maintain constant moisture, which typically amounts to adding about 8 ounces of water per week depending on temperature and humidity conditions. Never use tap water as the minerals can harm the plant. Water less during winter when the plant's growth slows down.
LightThe Cape Sundew thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot that receives several hours of morning sunlight followed by bright, indirect light for the rest of the day is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If natural light is insufficient, fluorescent or LED grow lights can supplement to ensure the plant receives adequate light.
TemperatureCape Sundew prefers temperatures between 50°F and 85°F for optimal growth, with nighttime temperatures not falling below 40°F. The plant can survive briefly outside of this range but prolonged exposure to temperatures above or below can be harmful. Ideally, maintain a consistent temperature around the upper range of 70°F to 80°F for vigorous growth.
PruningPruning the Cape Sundew involves removing dead or dying leaves and spent flower stalks to maintain its health and appearance. This can be done as needed throughout the growing season. Use tweezers or small scissors, and be careful not to damage the sticky leaves which the plant uses to catch prey. The best time for pruning is in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Alice Sundew prefers a soil mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite in a ratio of about 1:1, with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0. This carnivorous plant requires a nutrient-poor substrate to thrive.
RepottingAlice Sundew should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Care should be taken to handle its delicate roots gently during the transplanting process.
Humidity & MistingAlice Sundew thrives best in high humidity conditions, ideally around 50-70%. Consistent high humidity is crucial for the health and insect-trapping efficiency of the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain humidity.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, keep moist, and protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleDrosera aliciae, commonly known as Alice Sundew, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in warm and moist conditions. After germination, the seedling develops a small rosette of carnivorous leaves capable of trapping small insects with sticky, glandular dewdrops. As the plant matures, it grows larger and produces more adhesive leaves, gaining nutrients from its prey to compensate for the nutrient-poor soils it often inhabits. Alice Sundew may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, reducing growth and conserving energy. Upon return to favorable conditions, it resumes growth and eventually produces flowers on tall stalks that, once pollinated, set seed to complete the cycle. These seeds are then dispersed, often by wind or water, to begin a new generation of Alice Sundews.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The Cape sundew (Drosera aliciae) is commonly propagated through leaf cuttings, which is the most popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This process involves cutting a healthy leaf from an adult plant during its active growing season, typically late spring through summer. The leaf is then placed on the surface of a moistened, well-draining growing medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. It's important to keep the medium humid and in bright, indirect light, but not in direct sunlight, which may cause the cutting to dry out. In a few weeks, the leaf cutting should develop roots and small plantlets at the edge or base of the leaf. Once these plantlets have grown large enough, they can be gently separated and potted individually to continue growing into mature Cape sundews.
