Drosera aliciae
Princess Alice's sundew (syn. Drosera curviscapa)
- Position: bright filtered or bright light
- Soil: a specialist carnivorous compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
- Current height: approximately 10cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose a 10cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
Drosera aliciae is a perennial carnivorous plant native to South Africa, admired for its compact, rosette-forming growth and striking appearance. The spoon-shaped leaves, up to 2.5cm (1in) long and 0.7cm wide, are densely packed to form a clumping basal rosette. In bright light, the vibrant green leaves take on an orange to reddish hue, with their upper surfaces adorned with red, sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest insect prey. During the summer, a single inflorescence up to 4cm (1½ in) tall emerges, bearing 2-12 deep pink flowers that open in ascending order. Easy to grow and visually captivating, Princess Alice's sundew is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned carnivorous plant enthusiasts.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
This carnivorous plant should be watered from below during the growing season. The easiest way to do this is to stand the pot in a saucer that is filled with 1cm of soft or water. Ideally the pot and water-filled saucer should be kept on a tray of gravel as this will help keep the humidity high. When the plant is dormant, water only when the compost gets dry, making sure the excess can drain away freely. Pot on in spring using a specialist carnivorous plant compost. Plants take a few years to reach maturity and their full potential size. Regular feeding with insects can support healthier and more vigorous growth.