Drosera falconeri

Drosera falconeri key facts

Growing Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

Perennial (rests as a bud in the dry season)

Size

Leaf blades about 1.5 cm long and 2 cm wide (to 3 cm wide on old plants)

Watering

No fertilizer (catches small insects)

Temperature & Overwintering

The petiolaris-complex sundews like the low 30s °C in summer and dislike falling below 18°C at any time. Japanese winters require heating; many growers use heat mats.

Light & Placement

Needs strong light. Wild plants are deep red, but in cultivation weaker light tends to leave them greener.

Watering

Keep small pots in a tray of water: higher in summer, lower in winter, even letting it dry for a few days. Use pure water.

Dormancy Care

In cultivation it may grow year-round without a dry-season rest. If it does rest, it forms a tight bud at soil level; do not mistake it for dead.

Propagation

It rarely divides and leaf cuttings often fail; submerging pulled leaves in pure water is a known method.

About Drosera falconeri

Drosera falconeri is a rare Australian sundew with flat, kidney-shaped leaves resembling a Venus flytrap. It grows naturally in alkaline soil and goes dormant in the dry season, making it a plant for experienced growers.

7 things to know before growing Drosera falconeri

1. 1Light and placement

   As a native of tropical northern Australia, this sundew wants strong light and warm temperatures year-round. Because its leaves spread flat rather than growing upright, give it a spot with plenty of open light overhead rather than tall growing space.

2. 2Native to Limestone Soils

   While most carnivorous plants grow in acidic soil, this sundew is unusual in growing on limy sand or grey clay of around pH 8 in the wild. In cultivation, though, the biggest challenge is temperature rather than soil: it dislikes dropping below 18°C at any time of year.

3. 3Watering Approach

   Stand a small pot in a water tray, keeping the level higher in summer and lower in winter, when letting it dry for a few days is fine. Use purified water.

4. 4Dry-season dormancy

   In its natural dry season, the above-ground growth dies back and the plant rests as a small bud at soil level. Cut back on watering during this period, then gradually resume as new growth signals the bud is waking up.

5. 5Keep It Warm in Winter

   Its relatives prefer the low 30s °C in summer and dislike falling below 18°C at any time. Japanese winters call for supplemental heat, and many growers use a heat mat. In cultivation it may skip dormancy and grow year-round.

6. 6Choosing a healthy plant

   Leaves typically run about 1.5 cm long and 2 cm wide, though older, well-grown plants can reach 3 cm across. Look for good leaf color, active new growth, and leaves that are clearly producing sticky mucilage.

7. 7Suited to Experienced Growers

   It is considered difficult, and the biggest challenge is keeping it warm: it dislikes dropping below 18°C at any time, so winter heating is essential. Building basic sundew-care skills with an easier Drosera first is a reasonable way to prepare.

Frequently asked questions about Drosera falconeri

Q.Is this the same plant as a Venus flytrap?

A.No, they belong to different genera. Drosera falconeri's flat, ground-hugging leaves look similar to a Venus flytrap at a glance, but as a true sundew it catches insects with sticky, mucilage-covered glands rather than snapping leaves.

Q.What kind of soil does it grow in naturally?

A.In northern Australia it grows on limy sand or grey clay of around pH 8, unlike the acidic soils most carnivorous plants favor. In cultivation, however, keeping it warm is the biggest challenge.

Q.If the leaves die back in the dry season, has something gone wrong?

A.No, that's normal behavior. The above-ground leaves naturally die back to a resting bud at soil level during the dry season. Cut back on watering and let the plant rest until new growth signals it's waking up.

Q.Can beginners grow this plant?

A.It is considered difficult and best for experienced growers. It dislikes falling below 18°C at any time, so you need equipment to keep it warm, including winter heating. Gaining experience with an easier Drosera first is a good way to prepare.

Q.How big does this plant get?

A.The leaves are compact, typically around 1.5 cm long and 2 cm wide. On older, well-established plants the leaf width can reach about 3 cm.

Handy Growing Tools for Drosera falconeri

Learn more about Drosera falconeri in the encyclopedia

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