Slack's Sundew Drosera slackii
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Slack's Sundew is quite striking in appearance, primarily recognized by its distinctive leaves which are covered in tiny, sticky, hair-like glands. These reddish tentacles glisten in the light due to the sticky dew-like secretions at their tips designed to attract and trap insects. The leaves themselves are spoon-shaped, sporting a vibrant green color, sometimes with a hint of red, especially when exposed to ample sunlight. At the center, the leaves form a basal rosette, giving the plant a compact and neat form. During the flowering period, the Slack's Sundew produces tall, slender flowering stalks that display an elegant array of several small, pink to white flowers. These flowers have a simple, yet charming, aesthetic with rounded petals that sit atop the thin stalk, well above the sticky leaves to avoid trapping potential pollinators. The overall visual impression of Slack's Sundew is one of a delicate balance between its alluring leaves designed for predation and the understated beauty of its blossoms that showcase its more benign side as part of the blooming flora.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Droseraceae
Synonyms
Slack's Sundew
Common names
Drosera slackii.
ToxicityTo humans
Drosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's Sundew, is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, sundews are carnivorous plants that use sticky glandular hairs to catch and digest insects, not to poison humans. There is no well-documented evidence of Drosera slackii causing poisoning in humans. If ingested, it is unlikely to result in more than mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but as with any non-food plant, it is not recommended for consumption.
To pets
Drosera slackii, known as Slack's Sundew, is not recognized as toxic to pets. Sundews, including Drosera slackii, trap insects for nutrition and do not have a mechanism for poisoning animals. There is no significant evidence that ingestion of this plant by pets leads to poisoning. While it is always best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants to avoid possible gastrointestinal upset, consumption of Slack's Sundew is unlikely to cause serious harm.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.25 feet (7.6 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15.2 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Drosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's Sundew, is often appreciated for its unusual and striking appearance, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts for adding aesthetic appeal to a collection or garden.
- Insect control: Slack's Sundew is a carnivorous plant that traps and digests insects, which can help reduce the populations of pesky bugs in its vicinity.
- Educational interest: Due to its carnivorous nature, Drosera slackii can be used as an educational tool to illustrate unique plant adaptations and ecosystems, especially for children and students learning about botany and ecology.
- Ecological role: Slack's Sundew plays a role in the ecosystems where it naturally occurs, often found in boggy or marshy areas, contributing to biodiversity and the balance of those wetland environments.
- Conservation status: As a plant with a limited range and specific habitat requirements, Drosera slackii can be an indicator species for the health of wetland habitats and is often of interest in conservation efforts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Drosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's sundew, is often used by photographers who specialize in macro photography due to its intricate and visually appealing sticky traps that catch insects.
- Education: In schools and botanical gardens, Slack's sundew can be used to educate students and visitors about carnivorous plants and adaptations to nutrient-poor environments.
- Ornamental use: Owing to its unique appearance, Slack's sundew is sometimes cultivated in domestic gardens or as a part of terrariums for aesthetic purposes.
- Conservation: Drosera slackii can be utilized in conservation efforts as an indicator species for bog or wetland health, given its preference for these habitats.
- Ecosystem balance: In its native habitat, Slack's sundew plays a role in controlling insect populations, thereby maintaining the ecological balance.
- Scientific research: The plant is of interest to scientists studying carnivorous plant evolution, physiology, and ecology.
- Art and culture: Drosera slackii may inspire artists and designers, leading to its patterns and shapes being used in art, jewelry, fashion, and design.
- Bioindication: Slack's sundew can act as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring because it is sensitive to changes in air and soil quality.
- Nature-based solutions: It can be included in permaculture systems where its insect-trapping abilities support the reduction of pest populations organically.
- Crafts and hobbies: Enthusiasts of carnivorous plants may use Slack's sundew in DIY terrariums or vivariums as a hobby.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Drosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's Sundew, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Slack's Sundew is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Drosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's Sundew, thrives in nutrient-poor environments by adapting to catch and digest insects, symbolizing the ability to adapt to challenging conditions and make the most out of them.
- Patience: The plant slowly lures and captures its prey with its sticky, glandular tentacles, exemplifying patience in achieving one's goals.
- Ingenuity: Slack's Sundew represents clever strategies and the ingenuity to survive and flourish by utilizing unconventional methods, akin to its carnivorous feeding technique.
- Attraction and Temptation: With its glistening droplets that attract insects, this plant symbolizes the power of attraction and seduction, as well as the danger that can be associated with temptation.
WaterThe Slack's sundew, commonly known as Drosera slackii, requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out. The preferred method is to water by the tray system, where you fill the tray with about an inch of water and let the plant absorb moisture from the bottom. This method mimics their natural boggy habitat. The water should be distilled or rainwater, as tap water can be harmful. Water enough so that the tray needs refilling approximately every week, depending on the environment's humidity and temperature.
LightSlack's sundew thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially morning light which is less intense. It is best placed in a spot that receives several hours of light daily, with some partial shade to prevent overheating or leaf burn. Avoid placing it in full, harsh afternoon sun which can be too strong for this carnivorous plant.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Slack's sundew is between 40°F to 80°F, with a comfortable range being around 50°F to 70°F. This temperature range supports its growth and flowering. They can survive short periods of higher or lower temperatures, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be detrimental.
PruningPruning Slack's sundew is mainly to remove dead or dying leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetic appeal. Use tweezers or small scissors to gently remove the affected foliage. The best time for pruning is during the plant's active growth period, which is typically the spring and summer months.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Slack's Sundew, the best soil mix is a blend of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or sand at a 1:1 ratio, slightly acidic with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.
RepottingSlack's Sundew should typically be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingSlack's Sundew thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% and 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Slack's Sundew in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Place Slack's Sundew in partial sun with moist soil and protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleDrosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's sundew, begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed by wind or rain and land in suitable wet, acidic soil. Germination occurs depending on moisture, temperature, and light conditions, giving rise to small, carnivorous seedlings that use mucilage-covered leaves to trap and digest insects for nutrients. As the plant matures, it forms a rosette of spoon-shaped, sticky leaves and continues to derive additional nutrients from captured prey, compensating for the poor nutrient content of the soil. During the flowering stage, typically in summer, Slack's sundew produces tall stalks with pinkish-white flowers that are pollinated by insects, although it can also reproduce asexually through leaf cuttings or root division. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which are eventually released to restart the cycle. During winter or unfavorable conditions, Drosera slackii enters a period of dormancy, reducing its growth and metabolism until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Drosera slackii, commonly known as Slack's Sundew, is typically propagated through leaf cuttings during its active growth period, which generally corresponds to the spring and summer months. To propagate Slack's Sundew using this method, a healthy leaf is carefully removed from the plant and placed on the surface of a suitable moist growing medium such as sphagnum moss or a mixture of peat and sand, ensuring the leaf's underside is in contact with the substrate. The cutting should then be kept in a warm environment with high humidity, often under a plastic cover or in a greenhouse to maintain moisture. Roots and new plants will form at the location where the leaf has been injured or cut. Over a period of several weeks to a few months, these new plants can be gently separated and potted up into individual containers once they have established a sufficient root system and begun to grow on their own.
