Sundew Care Guide

Drosera, commonly known as sundews, are one of the largest and most diverse genera of carnivorous plants, with over 200 species found on every continent except Antarctica. They capture prey using sticky, glistening tentacles tipped with mucilage — a natural glue that traps insects on contact. Despite their delicate appearance, many sundews are surprisingly easy to grow.

Light

Sundews need bright light to produce the sticky dew that makes them effective hunters. Aim for 4–6+ hours of direct or bright indirect sunlight per day. A south- or east-facing windowsill works well indoors. Under grow lights, use a full-spectrum LED or T5 fluorescent positioned 6–10 inches above the plant for 12–16 hours per day. Insufficient light causes pale, non-sticky leaves and poor growth.

Water

Always use distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or collected rainwater — never tap water. Use the tray method: keep ½–1 inch of water in a tray beneath the pot at all times during the growing season. Sundews prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity. Temperate species can tolerate slightly drier conditions during dormancy.

Soil

Use a nutrient-poor, acidic mix:

1 part peat moss or long-fiber sphagnum moss
1 part perlite or silica sand

Pure long-fiber sphagnum moss also works excellently for most species. Never use regular potting soil, compost, or fertilizer — the nutrients will kill your sundew.

Humidity

Most sundews prefer moderate to high humidity (50–80%). Tropical species in particular benefit from a terrarium or humidity tray setup. Temperate species are more adaptable and can handle average household humidity if their other needs are met. Avoid placing plants near heating or air conditioning vents.

Feeding

Sundews are highly effective at catching their own prey — fungus gnats, fruit flies, and small insects are naturally attracted to the glistening tentacles. If growing indoors away from insects, you can supplement by placing small live or freeze-dried insects (fruit flies, bloodworms, small crickets) directly onto the leaves every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. The leaf will curl around the prey and digest it over several days. Do not feed during dormancy.

Dormancy

Dormancy requirements vary significantly by species type:

Temperate sundews (e.g., D. rotundifolia, D. intermedia, D. filiformis) require a cold winter dormancy of 3–5 months at 35–50°F (2–10°C). Growth dies back to a tight winter bud called a hibernaculum.
Subtropical sundews (e.g., D. capensis, D. aliciae, D. spatulata) do not require dormancy and can grow year-round with consistent warmth and light.
Tropical sundews (e.g., D. adelae, D. prolifera) prefer warm, humid conditions year-round and should never be exposed to cold.

Always research the specific dormancy needs of your species before winter.

Popular Species for Beginners

D. capensis (Cape Sundew) — Vigorous, forgiving, and prolific; ideal for first-time growers
D. spatulata — Compact rosette; adaptable and easy to grow
D. aliciae — Neat rosette form; tolerates a range of conditions
D. filiformis — Thread-leaf sundew; native to the US East Coast and Gulf Coast
D. intermedia — Native to North American bogs; cold-hardy temperate species
D. binata — Fork-leaf sundew; large and dramatic with forked tentacle-covered leaves

Propagation

Sundews are among the easiest carnivorous plants to propagate:

Leaf pullings — Place a healthy leaf flat on moist sphagnum moss; small plantlets will emerge within weeks
Root cuttings — Works well for many species
Seed — Viable but slow; surface-sow on moist peat/perlite mix
Natural offsets — Many species produce offshoots that can be divided

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using tap water or fertilizer
Growing in low light — leaves will lose their stickiness
Letting the soil dry out
Skipping dormancy for temperate species
Using regular potting soil
Wiping off the mucilage — it takes energy for the plant to replace

Questions?

We're always happy to help! If you have questions about your sundew, contact us anytime. Happy growing!