Rosiczka

Rosiczka is the common Polish name for sundews, carnivorous plants belonging to the genus Drosera in the family Droseraceae. The group comprises roughly 90 species, native to a wide range of habitats and climates.

Sundews are primarily found in nutrient-poor, acidic soils in bogs, fens, wetlands, and open woodlands. They occur on almost every continent except Antarctica, with a strong presence in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. In their natural habitats they rely on a combination of photosynthesis and insect capture to obtain essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

The defining feature of rosiczki is their leaves, which are covered with glandular tentacles that secrete a sticky mucilage. The droplets on the tentacles resemble dew, attracting insects during daylight. When an insect lands, the leaf may slowly curl and enclose the prey, allowing enzymes to digest the soft tissues and enable nutrient absorption. While the primary energy source remains photosynthesis, digestion supplements nutrient intake in nutrient-poor environments.

Cultivation and care are common reasons for interest in rosiczki. They prefer bright light and high humidity, and are typically grown in a nutrient-poor medium such as peat or sphagnum, with distilled or rainwater. They should not be fertilized, as mineral nutrients can be harmful. Many temperate species undergo a winter dormancy, while tropical species require consistent warmth and moisture year-round.

Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss and over-collection threaten some populations. Rosiczka remains a popular subject of study and cultivation due to its distinctive carnivorous adaptations.