Drosophyllum lusitanicum or the Drotsophyllum l. plant is a member of the family of carnovorous plants, with approximately 800 species recognized worldwide. Commonly called the pansies or Indian palms, it is native to southern Europe and Asia but is now naturalized in parts of North America. The fastest growing palm, it can grow up to a height of 15 meters. It is a wood-like composite stem that has spiny branches that are interwoven with bands of minute hair-like branches. The terminal flowers are white and pear-shaped with four pointed petals that contain a single large flower that has stamens.
Drotsophyllums are omnivorous and will eat both meat and vegetable matter. They like a combination of flesh and vegetable matter and thrive in conditions where other carnivorous plants have failed. Native to sub-tropical rainforests and semi-arid areas of Southeast Asia, it is adapted to a dry, hot and humid environment. In order to best sustain the high temperatures it needs, the plant must be placed under the most beneficial conditions in nature.
A hardy but relatively rare species, it is an excellent landscaping choice as part of a multi-plant hanging basket. It is an ideal plant for starting up a back-yard herb garden, or as an indoor ornamental plant. The plant prefers full sun but will do equally well in shaded areas. To encourage growth, it is best if the potting medium is made from fiber, such as vermiculite, which will not retain moisture when the plant is stressed.
Unlike other carnivorous plants, Drosophyllum is most commonly seen in fields or around the edges of forests. Its primary sources of food are roots and stems of young plants, which attach themselves to the undersides of its leaves. The leaves on the L. latifolia plant are alternate, with three leaflets per leaf. Small white flowers appear on mature plants and can be used for decorating outdoor areas.
Care of Drosophyllum Lusitanicum is fairly straightforward. Young plants should be potted into pots filled with loosely packed soil and kept in a sunny position until they begin to bloom. Water them often but do not drown them, as this may cause them to wither. Pots should be loosely packed because they will tend to dry out more quickly than packed soil. If they do become too wet, keep the pots in the shade during the summer.
As it matures, the L. latifolia plant will flower, usually in late summer. Small white flowers look like tiny roses, set high in the plant’s center leaf. Flowering buds, called pseudobulbae, are the end result of swelling buds that have grown larger due to dormancy. All of these characteristics make Drosophyllum lusitanicum attractive and easy growing carnivorous plants.
People who are considering starting a small or large garden sometimes neglect the care of carnivorous plants. Often people find carnivorous plants a difficult challenge when they are first growing. However, it can be achieved by following a few simple guidelines. With the proper care and attention, these plants can provide a rewarding return to any plot of land.
If you’re growing plants from seed, it is important to follow the seedling care instructions that come with your species of plant. For plants that you are planning to propagate, you will need to check with your local nursery to find out what type of care you need to provide for the new plants. Most plants can survive quite well with a little extra care.
For the best results when growing Drosophila under the sunlight, it is important to provide them with plenty of light. When growing plants from seed, it is important to provide them with 6 hours of direct sunlight. This should be several weeks before you expect them to flower. During this time, the plant will be producing flowers, which is their primary food source. Sunlight is also an important part of their water requirements.
Another reason for the plant thriving under sunlight is because of the high level of nutrients they receive from the sun. Plants like Drosophila need a lot of nutrients in order to grow. These nutrients are called Photosynthetic precursors, and they are what allows the plant to produce food and grow. While plants like most cacti do not need fertilizer, you should still provide them with enough nutrients to ensure their health.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum care is easy, as long as you follow the instructions on the leaflet that comes with your plant. The plant will be growing nicely without any additional care from you and will provide you with years of enjoyment. As you watch your plants grow and blossom, you will be happy you decided to grow this type of plant. Your kids will be glad you planted them outside as well, as they will be sure to ask you what they can do to take care of their favorite plant.