Dewy pine (Drosophyllum lusitanicum) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

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Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Dewy pine

More Info

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Drosophyllum

Genus

Drosophyllum

Species

Dewy pine

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Distribution Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Dewy pine

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What’s the best method to water your Dewy pine?

One way to keep your Dewy pine adequately moistened is to grow it in a pot with good drainage holes and in a plastic dish or tray that will allow you to fill it to about a third to half an inch of water. This will naturally draw water from the pot to the roots as the soil dries.Don’t let the dish dry out completely and adjust how much you add based on how quickly the plant draws the water into its roots.

Pots made from hardened clay called terra cotta are not suitable for growing the Dewy pine unless you place the pot inside a second, bigger pot. The terra cotta will allow water to seep through and filter out dissolved solids. Put the water only in the second, outer pot. The most important thing in watering your Dewy pine adequately is the mineral content of the water you use.

Collect rainwater if you can for your Dewy pine. It is the safest of any water to use on plants. Distilled water and water from a reverse osmosis system are good alternatives. You can use purified water which also works but has some minerals in it but in a range the Dewy pine tolerate.

Tap water with lower than 50 parts per million of total dissolved solids is safe. You can buy a meter to measure that for just a little money. You’ll want to fill your watering device 24 hours before you use it to give the chlorine a chance to off-gas from the water.

What should I do if I water Dewy pine too much/too little?

Symptoms of an overwatered Dewy pine are brown spots forming on the undersides of leaves, white mold developing in the soil, and a general wilted look. The wilted look comes from the plant’s inability to draw water into the stem.

Overwatering can cause root rot. If it’s rotted, and smells bad, you’ll want to remove the plant from its soil, rinse it with distilled water, cut away the rotted roots and affected leaves, rinse it again with distilled water, and replant in new soil.

The leaves of an underwatered plant will become brittle. Cut away affected leaves, make sure the soil is damp, and mist the leaves. For underwatered Dewy pine, the plant will gradually recover by resuming watering as soon as possible, but due to root damage, yellow leaves will dry out in the short term.

How often should I water my Dewy pine?

Tray method is the most common way of watering insectivorous plants. Potting Dewy pine in something with several drainage holes and placing that in a dish or tray filled about one-third with water will allow the plant to naturally draw water up as the soil dries. Add water promptly after the water level drops. Don’t let the dish dry out completely. This will give you a better sense of how often the plants are watered.

The Dewy pine is native to humid environment, so you’ll need to strike the right balance between watering to the point of developing root rot and letting the soil dry out . During the active seasons – spring to autumn – don’t let the soil dry out. Water your Dewy pine 2-3 times per week in spring and fall, and more frequent watering in summer to keep the soil mosit. Dewy pine goes dormant when during the winter and early spring. If you care for one the same way that you care for it during its active season, you will likely kill it. You’ll need to cut back on the amount that you water it. Try letting some of the soil dry out as well as letting the water level in the tray dry out for a few days before adding more.

If you live where the air is naturally dry, you may find that misting it above and beyond what you feed it is necessary to replicate its natural humid growing conditions. It works best to do this in the morning. Proper water spraying is very necessary for areas with a dry environment.

How much water does my Dewy pine need?

Dewy pine normally lives in humid environment and are prized as houseplants because they one of a handful of carnivorous plants. Successfully keeping one alive will require that you need to replicate its native growing conditions. Maintaining high humidity levels is key to growing a thriving Dewy pine.

The places these plants naturally thrive are high in humidity and low in nutrients. If you live in a place with naturally high humidity, you can grow them outdoors in a bog garden. A bog garden is a unique way to present plants that require lots of humidity together.

Most people grow them as houseplants. Use a pot that will retain moisture to cut down on the number of waterings you need to do. Plastic is much better for this than terra cotta. A self-watering pot works best of all.

As an insectivorous plant, the tray method is the most effective way to replenish water. Make sure that the water level in the tray pots spreads over the small hole at the bottom. Add water in time before the water level drops and the trays dry out. The amount of water added is the amount of water the plants need to keep the pots from drying out, so your Dewy pine can keep growing well.

Should I water Dewy pine differently when I plant it indoors but not outdoors?

Dewy pine growns indoor will generally requires less water because they receive less sunlight. The more light it receives, the more water it’ll require to grow. Adequate light and water are the basis for keeping them healthy. But, you’ll still want to maintain a humid environment for an indoor plant. A good option for maintaining humid conditions is to grow them in a terrarium or as part of a plant display in an aquarium. The encased sides will keep vital humid air from escaping. Just make sure you maintain good circulation.

What type of sunlight does Dewy pine need?

Dewy pine thrives best in natural, direct, outdoor sunlight. Exposure to full natural sunlight allows it to grow healthy and to its full size and display attractive coloration; depending on the species, these can be different shades of reds, crimson, pink, or purplish.

However, even with the full sun preference, Dewy pine should ideally be protected from the harshest sun - the summer mid-afternoon sun. Even plants adapted to full sunlight can suffer when exposed to this sun radiation level. That is why you should be able to move your plants or install something that will provide partial, dappled shade during this part of the day.

An important thing to remember is that evaporation increases significantly in the direct sun. Since Dewy pine is wetland plant, maintaining constant moisture is mandatory. Thus, pay attention to the water levels in the water trays during warm days and refill regularly.

What will happen if Dewy pine gets inadequate sunlight?

If Dewy pine receives too little sunlight, below the required daily minimum, the first thing you’ll notice is discoloration. The plants will first become purely green, losing red, orange, or pinkish colors, and then become even duller. Those that produce moist and sticky insect-attracting sap may have trouble making these substances.

In the long run, the Dewy pine will grow poorly in low light, the new growth will be weak, and they may have a shorter lifespan.

Are there special sunlight requirements for Dewy pine during different growth stages?

Young and mature plants of Dewy pine have pretty much the same lighting requirements. However, for non-tropical species, there is a seasonal difference in lighting needs, especially concerning the duration of light.

During the winter rest, 10-12 hours of indirect light per day is ideal. However, a dormant Dewy pine should not receive more than this. Daylight lasting 14-16 hours would trick the plant into coming out of dormancy, which would have overall negative effects. Thus, make sure that your Dewy pine have a sufficient period of darkness during the winter.

How much sunlight should Dewy pine get per day for healthy growth?

Four to six hours of direct sun and six to eight (or more) hours of partial sun per day is an excellent measure for most Dewy pine species. Ideally, the direct exposure should start in the morning and last until the afternoon in the summer, when the plants should get some cover from the most intense summer afternoon sun. Late afternoon sun exposure is perfectly fine.

How much light does Dewy pine need for photosynthesis?

This intense need for sunlight might seem unusual for a wetland plant. However, remember that most of the Dewy pine foliage is modified to attract and digest insects. Thus, less leaf surface is available for photosynthesis. Also, these plants come from warm, subtropical, and tropical climates and ecosystems with high, near-equator sun exposure.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Dewy pine?

Suppose you have bought your Dewy pine from a supermarket or another type of non-specialized store. In that case, the chances are that they have been receiving low or inappropriate artificial light and haven’t been adjusted to direct sunlight. In this case, the plant needs to be hardened off before exposure to real, direct sunlight. Start by gradually exposing your plants to sunlight, first keeping them in bright indirect light, then slowly increasing their exposure to direct light, about an hour per day.

If you cannot provide the right natural light conditions for your Dewy pine, the last resort is to grow them under artificial lighting. Although these plants are supposed to thrive under standard fluorescent lamps that emit cooler light, it may be safer to opt for specialized plant lights. Keep in mind that indoor plants are more susceptible to diseases.

Where should I position Dewy pine to get adequate light?

The best position for growing Dewy pine is an outdoor sunny spot. The outdoor position will ensure not only the best quality of light but also make the plant more resilient against infections. The UV rays from sunlight, along with the wind and precipitation exposure, will kill most fungal pathogens.

If you need to grow your plant indoors, the second best position is a sunny window sill face to a south-facing window (east and west are also an option, as long as the plants receive 4+ hours of light).

What is the optimal temperature for Dewy pine?

There is an ideal temperature range that makes Dewy pine feel at home. Under these temperature conditions, it's unlikely that you’ll have any issues with cold or hot damage to the foliage, but changing leaf colors can absolutely be a sign that Dewy pine isn’t happy. Try to keep your Dewy pine well within its preferred range of 70-85℉(21-30℃), but don’t panic if the temperature creeps up past 85℉(30℃) during the day or down to 70℉(21℃) at night.

How can I protect Dewy pine from extreme temperatures outdoors?

If your Dewy pine happens to be planted outside, then there’s not much you can do to try to move it indoors. However, you can certainly provide cover in ways that will help it survive any extreme temperatures that may arise unexpectedly. For instance, you can always use a few stakes and some cloth to put together a shade tent that will block out much of the sun’s intense heat from direct sunlight exposure.

Similarly, Dewy pine can be protected from the extreme cold and especially chilly winds by building a small greenhouse around the plant, which will create a greenhouse effect and warm the plant up. This can be done using garden stakes and any sort of clear or translucent plastic you may have around; if you have greenhouse plastic such as polycarbonate laying around, this works perfectly. Remove the greenhouse once temperatures warm up to 40℉(10℃) at night.

Does Dewy pine need different temperatures in different seasons?

Generally speaking, Dewy pine needs to stay within its preferred temperature range all year long. However, that doesn’t mean that care should stay the same all year long. During the warmest months of the year, Dewy pine will need a little extra shade and a bit more of a breeze to help it cope with the hottest days. On the other hand, it may need to be moved away from chilly windows and doors during the cooler months in climates where temperatures drop below 40℉(10℃) at any point in the year.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Dewy pine?

Keeping your Dewy pine at the right temperature can be fairly simple. Depending on where you grow it, Dewy pine can be fairly easy to accommodate. For indoor growing, you can easily move the plant to different locations within your indoor space that best meet its temperature requirements. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents, heaters, doors that open frequently, or drafty windows.

It is a little more difficult to control the temperature around your Dewy pine if it’s grown outside. Of course, if it’s planted in a pot, you can simply bring it indoors when the temperatures outside get too hot or too cold for Dewy pine, but otherwise, you may need to take different measures to protect it from extreme heat or cold that may damage it irreversibly. Try placing Dewy pine under cover to protect from both the harsh sun that can overheat it and any cold wind that could be potentially deadly for your plant.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

More About How-Tos

Water

Twice per week

Dewy pine originates from nutrient-poor, damp environments, preferring consistently moist soil. Overwatering should be avoided, but maintain adequate hydration.

Learn More

Lighting

Full sun, Partial sun

Dewy pine originates from environments with abundant sunlight, such as open bogs and sunny wetlands. Its preferred light conditions are full sun, but it can tolerate partial sun as well.

Learn More

Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

For Dewy pine, moderate temperatures are ideal, similar to what people generally find comfortable. It thrives in temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. The main issue with high temperatures is the risk of sunburn, and during the summer, it's advisable to provide some shade to prevent excessive heat. When temperatures drop, Dewy pine enters a dormant state. If continuous growth is desired, it's necessary to maintain higher temperatures during the winter. Frost can cause damage to the plant and should be avoided.

Learn More

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Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

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Bloom Time

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Dewy pine

Drosophyllum lusitanicum

Dewy pine is a perennial carnivorous plant that is noted for its sweetly scented aroma used to entice insects to its sticky trap. Dewy pine is unusual for being amongst the only carnivorous species to flourish in drier soils. Due to habitat destruction and collection by enthusiasts, the species is becoming rare in its native areas.

More Info

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Drosophyllum

Genus

Drosophyllum

Species

Dewy pine

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Distribution Map

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Dewy pine

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What’s the best method to water your Dewy pine?

What should I do if I water Dewy pine too much/too little?

How often should I water my Dewy pine?

How much water does my Dewy pine need?

Should I water Dewy pine differently when I plant it indoors but not outdoors?

What type of sunlight does Dewy pine need?

What will happen if Dewy pine gets inadequate sunlight?

Are there special sunlight requirements for Dewy pine during different growth stages?

How much sunlight should Dewy pine get per day for healthy growth?

How much light does Dewy pine need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Dewy pine?

Where should I position Dewy pine to get adequate light?

What is the optimal temperature for Dewy pine?

How can I protect Dewy pine from extreme temperatures outdoors?

Does Dewy pine need different temperatures in different seasons?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Dewy pine?

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App

More About How-Tos

Water

Twice per week

Lighting

Full sun, Partial sun

Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

Related Plants

Indoor

Requirements

Full sun, Partial sun

Ideal

Above 6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Dewy pine originates from environments with abundant sunlight, such as open bogs and sunny wetlands. Its preferred light conditions are full sun, but it can tolerate partial sun as well.

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

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Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Dewy pine is a versatile plant that thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. However, when placed in rooms with insufficient lighting, it easily exhibits symptoms of light deficiency, hindering its growth.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your Dewy pine may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Slower or no new growth

Dewy pine enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Lighter-colored new leaves

Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.

Solutions

1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Dewy pine thrives in full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. They have a remarkable ability to tolerate intense sunlight, resulting in subtle symptoms of sunburn that may not be easily visible.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Indoor

Requirements

Ideal

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.

Essentials

Dewy pine prefers relatively warm temperatures, so maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter cultivation is beneficial for plant growth. The minimum temperature should be kept above freezing point to prevent the plant from freezing damage. When the outdoor temperature approaches -5°C (25°F) during winter, it is advisable to bring Dewy pine indoors or provide protection by setting up a temporary greenhouse or using materials such as plastic film or fabric to wrap the plant.

Important Symptoms

Low Temperature

Dewy pine has moderate tolerance to low temperatures and thrives best when the temperature is between {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} and {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may darken in color. In severe cases, water-soaked necrosis, wilting, and drooping may occur, and the color of the leaves gradually turns brown.

Solutions

Trim away the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment or set up a makeshift greenhouse for cold protection. When placing the plant indoors, choose a location near a south-facing window to ensure ample sunlight. If there is insufficient light, you can use supplemental lighting.

High Temperature

During summer, Dewy pine should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the plant's growth slows down, the color of its leaves becomes lighter, and it becomes more susceptible to sunburn.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

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