Sundew Care Guide
Sundews (Drosera) are delicate carnivorous plants covered in tiny, glistening droplets of sticky 'dew' that trap small insects. These beautiful plants sparkle like jewels in bright light.
Light Requirements
Need very bright light or direct sunlight for 6+ hours daily. Strong light enhances the red coloration and sticky dew production. LED grow lights work well indoors.
Water Requirements
Use only distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Keep soil constantly moist by sitting pot in shallow water. Never let soil dry out completely.
Soil & Planting
Use nutrient-poor mix of peat moss and perlite or sand. Some species prefer pure sphagnum moss. Never use fertilizer or regular potting soil.
Humidity
Prefer high humidity (50-70%) for best dew production. Use humidity trays, terrariums, or frequent misting. Good air circulation prevents fungal problems.
Temperature
Tropical species: Warm conditions 70-85°F year-round
Temperate species: Need cool winter dormancy 35-50°F for 3-4 months
Dew Production
Healthy plants produce sparkling droplets of sticky mucilage on their tentacles. Poor dew production indicates stress from light, water, or humidity issues.
Common Problems
- No dew production: Insufficient light, wrong water, or low humidity
- Brown, crispy leaves: Too much direct sun or low humidity
- Weak growth: Poor light or skipped dormancy (temperate species)
- Algae growth: Too much light on wet soil surface
Feeding
Catch tiny insects naturally with their sticky traps. Don't need supplemental feeding if catching gnats and fruit flies indoors.
Popular Species
Cape Sundew (D. capensis) - easy beginner species, Round-leaved Sundew (D. rotundifolia) - temperate native, Spoon-leaved Sundew (D. spatulata) - compact and colorful.