A lot of Drosera species seem to need a high amount of light to really do well, along with this they also seem to need high humidity.
In keeping various Drosera i've noticed that for a short period of time, a Drosera completely enclosed, with 100% humidity, and high light will thrive, and look absolutely stunning...for about a week or so. At this point fungus among other things settle in and the plant starts to decline.
It seems that air circulation amongst the sticky tendrils and high humidity is a definate must for Drosera in cultivation.
For instance...I was growing Drosera falconeri and paradoxa last summer under glass in direct sunlight for most of the day, the glass container easily fit three 4.5" pots inside. One of the spaces I used for a container of water to insure high humidity...the plants did not sit in trays.
This year I am trying the same growing conditions, only in a more confined space, only enough room for one pot, with a little space around. I'm finding that there is just not enough space left for a constant source of non-stagnant air, and I am seeing a decline in the plant. With less air circulation the substrate in the pots also tends to stay moist longer, which could attribute to rot/fungus.
There are definately many factors it seems to take into consideration when devising a grow space for Drosera. Many more than i've seen with other genus. Usually there is a trade off, more light for a little less humidity...etc...as far as Drosera though, so far they definately seem to know what they like and usually won't settle for less. I guess that's where we come in.
In keeping various Drosera i've noticed that for a short period of time, a Drosera completely enclosed, with 100% humidity, and high light will thrive, and look absolutely stunning...for about a week or so. At this point fungus among other things settle in and the plant starts to decline.
It seems that air circulation amongst the sticky tendrils and high humidity is a definate must for Drosera in cultivation.
For instance...I was growing Drosera falconeri and paradoxa last summer under glass in direct sunlight for most of the day, the glass container easily fit three 4.5" pots inside. One of the spaces I used for a container of water to insure high humidity...the plants did not sit in trays.
This year I am trying the same growing conditions, only in a more confined space, only enough room for one pot, with a little space around. I'm finding that there is just not enough space left for a constant source of non-stagnant air, and I am seeing a decline in the plant. With less air circulation the substrate in the pots also tends to stay moist longer, which could attribute to rot/fungus.
There are definately many factors it seems to take into consideration when devising a grow space for Drosera. Many more than i've seen with other genus. Usually there is a trade off, more light for a little less humidity...etc...as far as Drosera though, so far they definately seem to know what they like and usually won't settle for less. I guess that's where we come in.