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Drosera Hybridization: Colchicine for Sterile Hybrids?

A grower with D. capensis, D. spatulata, and sterile pygmy hybrid D. nitidula × pulchella asks about using colchicine to restore fertility for crossing.

Colchicine Reality

Can induce polyploidy, sometimes restoring fertility in sterile hybrids
No personal experience reported
Success unpredictable; offspring viability unknown
Pygmy × non-pygmy crosses unheard of

Known Compatible Cross

D. spatulata × D. capensis works readily.

Recommendation

Try the known cross first
Consult Sarracenia Northwest for additional insights
Document any colchicine experiments for community knowledge

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