How to plant my tissue culture Drosera (sundew)

When planting your Drosera (sundew) out of a tissue culture cup, follow these steps to ensure a successful transition:

1.  Prepare the Planting Medium :

   - Use a soil mix appropriate for carnivorous plants, typically a blend of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or sand. Ensure it is free of fertilisers and other additives that can harm your Drosera.

2.  Acclimate the Plants :

   - Gradually acclimate your Drosera to lower humidity environments before planting. Start by opening the tissue culture cup for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over a week or so. This process is known as hardening off.

3.  Prepare the New Container :

   - Choose a container with good drainage. Fill it with your prepared soil mix, leaving some space at the top for easy watering.

4.  Transplant the Drosera :

   - Carefully remove the Drosera from the tissue culture cup. Gently rinse off the gel medium from the roots under soft, low mineral water.

   - Plant the Drosera in the new container. Make sure the roots are well-spread in the soil, and the crown of the plant is just above the soil surface.

5.  Watering :

   - Initially, water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water, as tap water can be harmful due to its minerals and chemicals.

   - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

6.  Location :

   - Place the plant in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct afternoon sun initially to prevent scorching the leaves.

7.  Continued Care :

   - Monitor the plant for stress signs and continue to gradually expose it to more direct sunlight and environmental conditions typical of its final growing location.

   - Watch for new growth as an indicator that your Drosera is adapting well.

By following these steps, your Drosera should transition smoothly from its tissue culture environment to a more natural one, thriving and growing healthily.