Propagating Drosera Through Leaf Cuttings

Drosera leaf cuttings from Grow Sundews

I've been following the Drosera leaf cutting experiments conducted by Terraforums user Kataok with interest. So far, it appears that a water-float method of propagation is more efficient than a media-based method of propagation, but whether the water should be changed and sterilized depends on the species.

For those of you who don't know, the water-float method of leaf propagation is pretty easy and has a fairly high strike rate. Basically, you just cut off a few leaves, put them in a container filled with water, and put that under bright light. Generally, I reuse a take-out container with a clear or translucent lid. After a month or so, you should see some little plantlets growing from the leaf. The media-based propagation method is similar, except the leaves are put non-tentacle side down and then cover the pot with plastic wrap.

Kataok's experiments have revealed, so far, that D. cistiflora will produce plantlets using the water float method faster if the water is changed. D. binata 'Marston Dragon,' in contrast, will produce plantlets faster if the water is not changed.

Over at Grow Sundews, the leaf cuttings they've reported on saw D. binata take about two months, but D. 'Ivan's Paddle' took only about two weeks. Kataok saw significantly faster plantlets for D. binata.

I know that several others have ongoing experiments, but I would recommend trying different methods to see what works best for your conditions. Personally, I've found a water float method in sealed containers works well for me because I can propagate a lot of plants at once. If only I could get my hands on a handful of test tubes, so that I could isolate plants more effectively .  . .