Question
How can you tell the difference between the Giant Dewthread and the common dewthread?  I've read descriptions, but I'm so totally lost.  nita

Gulf Breeze, FL

Answer
Hi JH,

If you have both known varieties, but lost the tags, then it'll be easier to help you tell them apart.  If you only have one dewthread and want to know what you have, it can be a bit difficult.  I can identify them because of I work with these plants, but if you're a first time grower, the differences might be a bit too subtle.

(I'll also assume you mean the northern dewthread, Drosera filiformis ssp. filiformis, and NOT the southern dewthread Drosera filiformis ssp. tracyi.  The northern dewthread is much more common than the southern in terms of what you'll find in cultivation and in the wild.  Of course, if you live in Florida, the southern dewthread is much more common.  So please write back if you meant the southern dewthread.)

The Florida giant is much larger and can reach up to 16 inches tall, while the northern dewthread is shorter and reaches up to 8 inches tall.  If both plants happen to be the same height because of different ages, then look at the leaves.  The Florida giant will have slightly thicker leaves than the northern dewthread.  It will also produce fewer leaves than the northern dewthread.  The northern dewthread will also have slightly more red pigment, so it will appear subtly redder than the Florida giant.

If you have a photo of the plant, upload it and I'll see if I can identify it.  Make sure the photograph is clear and representative of the plant.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin