About
Drosera binata, the forked sundew, is a distinctive, semi-erect, clump-forming carnivorous perennial producing long, slender, Y-shaped or multi-forked leaves densely clothed in red, sticky, insect-trapping glands. White flowers appear on tall stems in summer. A rewarding and architectural carnivorous plant for a permanently moist, bright, sunny position.
About the genus
Drosera, the sundews, are carnivorous perennials forming rosettes of leaves covered with sticky, red or green, gland-tipped hairs that trap and digest insects. They range from compact, alpine rosette plants to tall, scrambling species, and are among the most diverse and widely distributed of all carnivorous plant genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toAustralia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light with shade from hot sun. The compost should be kept continually moist in the growing season by standing the container in a tray of soft (lime-free) water, such as rainwater. During the winter, plants enter a period of dormancy so keep plants moist, not sodden. Outdoors grow in wet, naturally peaty, acidic, nutritionally poor soil in full sun. See Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningTrim off faded top growth in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe, or by root cuttings when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free