© NasserHalaweh / CC BY-SA 4.0Drosera slackii
Drosera slackii is a sundew native to South Africa's Cape region, forming a rosette 5 to 10cm across of leaves that shift from spatula-shaped to heart-shaped as they mature. Its leaf edges glisten with sticky glandular hairs used to trap small insects, while in early summer it sends up graceful pink flowers, a striking combination of carnivorous drama and delicate beauty. The species is named after British carnivorous-plant researcher Adrian Slack and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding qualities. As a hardy perennial rated beginner-friendly, it's a great choice for anyone growing a carnivorous plant for the first time.
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Apply as a growerDrosera slackii key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Size
- Rosettes 5-10 cm across
- Watering
- No fertilizer (catches small insects)
- Light & Placement
- Bright light keeps the rosette compact; windowsills are often too dim, so a greenhouse or LEDs suit it.
- Watering
- Keep the soil constantly moist on a tray of pure or rain water.
- Soil & Repotting
- Grows in pure sphagnum or a peat-sand mix without fertilizer; repot every 3-5 years.
- Propagation
- Propagate from root or leaf cuttings; sow seed on the surface without covering.
- Fertilizer
- No fertilizer in the soil; if feeding, place small insects on dewy leaves.
About Drosera slackii
Discover Drosera slackii, a South African sundew with spatula-to-heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers, prized as an easy, beginner-friendly carnivorous plant.
7 things to know before growing Drosera slackii
1Light and Placement
Bright light keeps the rosette compact. A windowsill often doesn't provide enough light, so a greenhouse or LED grow lights are recommended.
2Watering basics
Keep the soil consistently moist using the tray method, standing the pot in a shallow saucer of water. Because tap water minerals and chlorine can harm the plant, use rainwater or distilled water instead.
3Choosing the soil
Choose a well-draining, nutrient-poor mix, such as peat moss or sphagnum blended with akadama or perlite. Avoid fertilizer or standard potting soil, as they can damage the roots.
4When to Repot
Repot into fresh mix roughly every three to five years. If a plant starts to decline, you can also renew it from root or leaf cuttings.
5Managing summer heat
As a perennial, Drosera slackii grows reliably, but prolonged summer heat and humidity can stress the plant. Ensure good air circulation and keep an eye on water levels and temperature around the pot during this period.
6Picking a healthy plant
Look for a well-formed rosette around 5 to 10cm across with glossy, dew-tipped glandular hairs on the leaf edges, a sign of a healthy plant. Avoid specimens with a blackened base or dried-out leaves.
7Flowers and propagation
True to its beginner-friendly reputation, Drosera slackii is easy to grow and will send up a flower stalk with pink blooms under the right conditions. It's also a good candidate for propagation by division or leaf cuttings.
Frequently asked questions about Drosera slackii
- Q.Is Drosera slackii easy to grow for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's considered a beginner-friendly species. As long as you provide bright light and prevent the soil from drying out using the tray method, it grows without much difficulty.
- Q.How big does Drosera slackii grow?
- A.Its rosette spreads to about 5 to 10cm in diameter, with distinctive leaves that shift shape from spatula-like to heart-shaped.
- Q.Does it flower?
- A.Under suitable conditions, it sends up a flower stalk with pink blooms. As a perennial, it can flower again in following years.
- Q.Do I need to feed it insects?
- A.It typically catches small insects on its own using the sticky glandular hairs on its leaves, so actively feeding it isn't necessary.
- Q.How long can I enjoy this plant?
- A.As a perennial, it can continue producing leaves and growing for many years under suitable conditions. Many growers also refresh their plants through division or leaf cuttings over time.
Handy Growing Tools for Drosera slackii
Learn more about Drosera slackii in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, size, origin and light needs — all basics covered.
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