Introduction
In this guide, I hope to share my limited knowledge and experiences regarding growing Drosophyllum lusitanicum. I am not an experienced grower and has no background in botany, but my hope is that the information will be helpful as a starting point for others.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum, commonly known as the dewy pine, is one of the most unique carnivorous plants in cultivation. It is different than most other carnivorous plants because it inhabits a much drier climate. Drosophyllum attracts insects of all sizes with the sparkling sticky glads, and a scent of honey. It is endemic to the herriza or Mediterranean heathland from the southwestern Iberian Peninsula and northwestern tip of Africa, with the Strait of Gibraltar region harboring the highest density of populations. It is a rare species from the geographic, ecological, and taxonomic points of view, being the herriza’s plant uniqueness paradigm.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum in natural habitat, notice where they grow are often rocky, dry, nutrient-poor grounds.
Plant expert, Petar Kostov describes this species as "the uncompromising giants" because Drosophyllum lusitanicum are very strict and stubborn in their requirements.
There are main three reasons Drosophyllum are not commonly seen in trades and collections:
1. seeds are difficult/ very slow to germinate
2. root disturbance is often deadly
3. while Drosophyllum is drought tolerant, the plants are prone to root rot when the soil is too moist
Germination Method - Seed Scarification
First, we have to understand the reason why Drosophyllum seeds are difficult to germinate using the conventional sow-and-wait method. Drosophyllum seeds are usually scattered near the mother plant and can stay dormant for years. Seeds would germinate after fire occurred, usually killing the mother plant, and when there's consistent moisture from rain.
The seed coat of Drosophyllum is thick and black, it is water and fire resistant. It keeps the seed core fresh and alive for a long time, waiting patiently for the right conditions to germinate.
Scarification in botany involves weakening, opening, or otherwise altering the coat of a seed to encourage germination. It is a method used to create a gentle opening in the seed coat to allow the seeds germinating easier. From my experiences, it is easier and safer than the fire/ smoke treatment, and this method works consistently well for Drosophyllum seeds.
First, prepare a clean working space. It is possible that the seeds may run away from you in the following steps so it's important to have a tidy surface.
Next, use a pair of tweezers or other tool that you are comfortable using to handle the seeds, to pick up a seed. It is important to use a tool that is not too aggressive that may break the seed.
And then, dip the seed in water, and rub the seed gently against a nail file or sand paper (200 grits or higher should work fine) for a few times.
Dip the seed in water and check if you see the seed coat scratched away yet. Repeat until you see something similar to the next picture.
Once you have gently scratched away a part of the seed coat (black), you will see the dark-grey part, that's when you want to stop. If you keep going you will damage the seed core (in white color) and will likely kill the seed.
Section view of the seed:
After that, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. Don't leave the seeds in water for too long, otherwise they could drown.
Finally, move the seeds to place on top of planting medium and wait.
If the scarification is successful, you should see germination, usually in one week.
I like to use sphagnum moss to germinate the seeds, and then transfer the whole moss plug to the final pot.
If the conditions are right, it will grow quite quickly.
References
Our carnivorous plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum - one of the rarest plants on Earth
Drosophyllum lusitanicum - the uncompromising giants
ICPS - Growing Drosophyllum lusitanicum
In this guide, I hope to share my limited knowledge and experiences regarding growing Drosophyllum lusitanicum. I am not an experienced grower and has no background in botany, but my hope is that the information will be helpful as a starting point for others.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum, commonly known as the dewy pine, is one of the most unique carnivorous plants in cultivation. It is different than most other carnivorous plants because it inhabits a much drier climate. Drosophyllum attracts insects of all sizes with the sparkling sticky glads, and a scent of honey. It is endemic to the herriza or Mediterranean heathland from the southwestern Iberian Peninsula and northwestern tip of Africa, with the Strait of Gibraltar region harboring the highest density of populations. It is a rare species from the geographic, ecological, and taxonomic points of view, being the herriza’s plant uniqueness paradigm.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum in natural habitat, notice where they grow are often rocky, dry, nutrient-poor grounds.
Plant expert, Petar Kostov describes this species as "the uncompromising giants" because Drosophyllum lusitanicum are very strict and stubborn in their requirements.
There are main three reasons Drosophyllum are not commonly seen in trades and collections:
1. seeds are difficult/ very slow to germinate
2. root disturbance is often deadly
3. while Drosophyllum is drought tolerant, the plants are prone to root rot when the soil is too moist
Germination Method - Seed Scarification
First, we have to understand the reason why Drosophyllum seeds are difficult to germinate using the conventional sow-and-wait method. Drosophyllum seeds are usually scattered near the mother plant and can stay dormant for years. Seeds would germinate after fire occurred, usually killing the mother plant, and when there's consistent moisture from rain.
The seed coat of Drosophyllum is thick and black, it is water and fire resistant. It keeps the seed core fresh and alive for a long time, waiting patiently for the right conditions to germinate.
Scarification in botany involves weakening, opening, or otherwise altering the coat of a seed to encourage germination. It is a method used to create a gentle opening in the seed coat to allow the seeds germinating easier. From my experiences, it is easier and safer than the fire/ smoke treatment, and this method works consistently well for Drosophyllum seeds.
First, prepare a clean working space. It is possible that the seeds may run away from you in the following steps so it's important to have a tidy surface.
Next, use a pair of tweezers or other tool that you are comfortable using to handle the seeds, to pick up a seed. It is important to use a tool that is not too aggressive that may break the seed.
And then, dip the seed in water, and rub the seed gently against a nail file or sand paper (200 grits or higher should work fine) for a few times.
Dip the seed in water and check if you see the seed coat scratched away yet. Repeat until you see something similar to the next picture.
Once you have gently scratched away a part of the seed coat (black), you will see the dark-grey part, that's when you want to stop. If you keep going you will damage the seed core (in white color) and will likely kill the seed.
Section view of the seed:
After that, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. Don't leave the seeds in water for too long, otherwise they could drown.
Finally, move the seeds to place on top of planting medium and wait.
If the scarification is successful, you should see germination, usually in one week.
I like to use sphagnum moss to germinate the seeds, and then transfer the whole moss plug to the final pot.
If the conditions are right, it will grow quite quickly.
References
Our carnivorous plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum - one of the rarest plants on Earth
Drosophyllum lusitanicum - the uncompromising giants
ICPS - Growing Drosophyllum lusitanicum
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