Drosera 'Andromeda': Everyone Should Grow This Sundew!

Drosera 'Andromeda' in Flower

When I restarted collecting carnivorous plants, I had a few Drosera, but I always thought of them as a side piece instead of the main attraction. Well, a few months ago, I was given the opportunity to pick up a Drosera 'Andromeda', the popular hybrid between Drosera prolifera and Drosera schizandra. (I don't believe this has been officially elevated to cultivar status, yet, but everyone already refers to is as such). Seeing as I already had the "Three Sisters," I figured that I'd add this hybrid to my collection. I'm glad that I did. It's the best Drosera that I've ever owned! (Okay, okay, I still love my Drosera slackii, but still...)

Drosera 'Andromeda' Flowers

I've been growing this plant in my humid, highland tank and it is quite impressive. It has grown tremendously over the last few months, so much so that it is now flowering!. The flowers are about twice as large as Drosera adelae's flowers, which are very similar to Drosera prolifera's flowers. (I have not yet seen Drosera schizandra flower). I'm quite happy that I have managed to get this plant to flower. I don't believe it has flowered for many other people, yet.

Drosera 'Andromeda' Flower

Overall, I've found this to be a magnificently easy hybrid. I have it in full light, much like my Drosera adelae and Drosera prolifera. Unlike either of those, it has been growing remarkably well and is the prime insect attractant in that tank. (I'm not even sure where it's finding the bugs!). The leaves are gigantic compared to most Drosera and I imagine that it would be easy to propagate. (I have not attempted to do so, yet). If you are going to get a Drosera to put with your highland Neps and Helis, this should be a contender.