Drosera Hybrid Identity and Light Deficiency: Intermedia × Brevifolia Care

A grower's "Drosera intermedia" turned out to be a hybrid (D. intermedia × brevifolia) producing offshoots and losing red coloration under a Burpee grow light. Diagnosis: insufficient light intensity.

Identifying the Hybrid

True D. intermedia has distinct morphology. This plant's self-propagating clumping habit and leaf form indicate D. intermedia × brevifolia—a common cultivar that forms attractive colonies.

Light Distance Matters More Than Duration

14 hours under 6500K fluorescent isn't enough if the plant is too far from the source. Key evidence: tentacles shifted from red to nearly white. Red pigmentation = adequate light.

Action Plan

1. Move plant closer to light – 6-12 inches from fluorescent tubes
2. Remove yellowing leaves – Improves appearance and airflow
3. Decide on division – Offshoots can be separated (1-month recovery) or left to form clump

Natural Behavior

This hybrid naturally produces offshoots from the base and leaf axils. Clumping is normal and often preferred for display. Division is optional but requires root disturbance recovery time.