Growing & Germinating Drosophyllum Lusitanicum

Seed Germination

• Seeds with the best germination rates are summer harvested and then stored in refrigeration. Scatter the seeds on the top of a soilless seed-starting medium in the fall and keep them moist. Best germination occurs when temperatures ranges are between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. D. lusitanicum seeds can take nine months to germinate, even under ideal conditions.

Scarification

• Among growers of D. lusitanicum, the debate rages on whether or not to scarify seeds before planting them. Some schools of thought believe that it will help increase germination time. If you choose to scarify the seeds, scratch them with fine sandpaper until you have removed the seed coat. The inside of the seed will be white. Soak them for 24 hours in water before planting.

Growing Conditions

• Unlike most carnivorous plants, D. lusitanicum cannot tolerate boggy conditions. They grow best in a poor, acidic soil amended with sand and kept dry to the touch. Mist the plant regularly but do not allow it to sit in water. Optimal growth is achieved when days are 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nights are around 50 degrees.

Problems

• D. lusitanicum is generally an easy plant to grow, but it can die if the root system is disturbed. Transplant D. lusitanicum immediately after germination or use peat pots when starting seeds. Plant seedlings in a 10- to 12-inch pot and do not transplant again. Root rot is a major problem with this plant. Terra cotta pots are strongly encouraged because of their tendency to dry out. Never leave D. lusitanicum in standing water or high humidity environments.