Pygmy Sundew Flower Stalks, Clumping, and Winter Behavior

A San Diego grower asked about mucilage on D. nitidula × ericksoniae flower stalks, clumping habit, and whether outdoor plants go dormant in cold or summer drought.

Flower Stalk Mucilage

Likely defensive, not carnivorous. Many Pinguicula have similar glands.

Clumping

Often from tissue culture (D. spatulata) or gemmae falling in the same spot (pygmies). Not necessarily the natural growth form.

Dormancy

• Pygmy sundews may not have a true dormancy.
• Kept wet year-round in cool greenhouses (40s–50s°F), they maintain appearance.
• Many live only ~2 years.

Gemmea production in cool weather is normal.