Byblis | Gardening Diary

Byblis is a genus of carnivorous plants originating from Australia. Its status as a true carnivorous genus was initially not established as Byblis species are passive feeders, unlike their relatives e.g. sundews and Venus flytraps. Byblis species have leaves covered with sticky hairs to attract and ensnare small insects. After the insects die from exhaustion, they are digested by enzymes, hence providing nutrients for the plants.

In Singapore, Byblis plants are uncommon and are only cultivated by hobbyists. I obtained mine from a fellow gardener who kindly gave away free cuttings. The plant can also be purchased on Carousell or at Hortpark's Gardeners' Day Out (GDO).

Byblis flourishes easily with ample light and moisture. When young, Byblis has upright stems. Eventually, the stems collapse under their weight and the plant trails. The species found in Singapore are usually annual ones which will die back after producing beautiful purple blooms. The plant can subsequently be propagated through stem cuttings in sphagnum moss and the cycle repeats. I have just made my first stem cutting and it appears to be rooting well. I am hoping to build an "army" of Byblis (against pesky flies) before offering some cuttings back to the gardening community.

Byblis growing towards my grow light

Mucilage on stem and leaves