Spot on, Brian.
Jim - Yep, that seems to be the key to the success (not really sure about using that term since I've only had the plant for a month) with this species, is replicating the climate it's native to. This species does have a reputation for being finicky and difficult to keep, which is probably quite deserved if it is grown in a climate that isn't of a Mediterranean type. And beyond the "hot, dry summer; cool, rainy winter" motif that is common between them, there are multiple types of Mediterranean climates too... Los Angeles, CA is considered Mediterranean but receives barely any rain even in the winter (it would be arid if it wasn't for the fog), while Perth, WA often receives rain not only in the winter, but frequently in the summer as well. Not sure how
Drosophyllum would do in these "variant" Mediterranean climates, or if it requires the more "classical" type found in its native habitat in coastal Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, and seen worldwide in the SF Bay Area, southeast South Africa, and some parts of Chile.
Anyway, I think the 24 hour temperature and humidity differentials are very important for this species, probably moreso than with other CPs. The climate of my city (and much of the Bay Area) is almost exactly like that of the areas in which this plant is found natively, so there really isn't any reason why my plant
shouldn't thrive, hahaha. In the summer, the days are usually 80-90 degrees with dessicating humidity (often less than 30%), but at night when the fog rolls in off the ocean, the temperature drops to 54-56 degrees with 90-100% humidity. The fog, apparently, is vital to the well-being of this plant, since it hates having wet soil and gets most of its water from the fog and dew. The only thing I do to take care of my plant is water it with a bit of distilled water once a week, but I have a feeling even that would be unnecessary because of the fog.
Since you're in New York, the main problem I could see you having (aside from the winter) is the constant humidity in the summer. All plants native to Mediterranean regions, not just
Drosophyllum, are extremely susceptible to root rot in the summer, since they have never had to evolve the ability to deal with warm, wet soil. If the soil's wet, it's cold; if the soil's warm, it's dry. Though I consider myself just a novice still, I would say if you were going to attempt this species again, find the breeziest place on your property and plant it in an airy, well-drained soil, and water it sparingly... That would be the best way I could think of for you to get the soil to dry quickly to prevent rotting.
Not a Number - Awesome! I will see if I can find a source for that book... Hopefully at least the San Francisco Public Library would have it.
Here is my plant a few weeks ago, when I originally made a thread about it on here:
And here it is this morning... Looking pretty good, huh?