Drosera

Sundew Care & Identification Guide

Drosera, commonly known as Sundews, are enchanting carnivorous plants characterized by glistening, dew-covered tentacles. Each leaf is covered with sticky glandular hairs that secrete a sweet, glistening mucilage that lures, traps, and digests small insects. When an insect is caught, the leaf often slowly curls around the prey to maximize digestion. It is widely celebrated by botanists for its distinct environmental adaptability and structural appeal.

Sunlight Full Sun

Watering High. Keep

Soil Mix Nutrient-free

Temperature 15°C - 30°C

Toxicity Non-toxic

Botanical macro photography of Sundew (Drosera) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Sundew

A small, fascinating carnivorous plant covered in glittering, red-tipped tentacles that look like drops of morning dew.

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Key Visual Features: Rosette or upright growth habit; leaves are lined with highly sensitive glandular hairs (tentacles) topped with glistening, sticky droplets of mucilage.
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Color Variations: Foliage ranges from bright lime green to deep crimson red, with bright red or pink tentacles secreting clear, water-like glue drops.
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Common Confusions: Easily distinguished from other carnivorous plants by the presence of sticky dew drops on tentacles, whereas Venus Flytraps have snap traps and Pitcher Plants have hollow tubes.

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Sundew thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Sundew requires a highly measured water supply. Typically, water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom holes only when the top soil layer becomes dry. Based on its specific characteristics: High. Keep the substrate wet at all times by using the tray method (keep 1-2 cm of water in the saucer). Use ONLY distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Never tap water.. Never allow the roots to sit in stagnant water as it leads to root decay. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter dormant phases.

Prune Sundew during its active spring growing season to control shape and size. Use sterilized sharp bypass shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node, stimulating bushier branch growth. Gently trim off old, naturally yellowed lower foliage to maintain clean aesthetics.

Apply a balanced liquid organic houseplant foliage fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 ratio) once a month during spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the delicate roots. Stop all fertilizer feeds during winter months when active vegetative growth slows down.

Sundew requires Full sun to bright, indirect light. Requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or intense LED grow light to produce its brilliant red color and sticky dew.. Provide bright, consistent indirect filtered sunlight daily. Avoid exposing the foliage to harsh direct midday sun which can easily bleach, scorch, or dry out the delicate leaves.

The optimal substrate for Sundew is a loose, rich, exceptionally fast-draining potting soil. Based on requirements: Nutrient-free, acidic mix of 50% pure peat moss and 50% perlite, or pure long-fiber sphagnum moss. Never use potting soil, compost, or fertilizers.. A standard high-aeration mix consists of 50% organic peat moss or coco coir, 30% chunky orchid bark or pumice, and 20% coarse perlite to facilitate excellent oxygen circulation.

Easily propagate Sundew using stem cuttings in spring. Cut a healthy 4-inch stem section just below a node, remove lower leaves, and submerge the node in clean water or moist perlite mix until active roots develop in 3 weeks.

Thrives in standard warm environmental conditions: 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 86°F); temperate or tropical carnivorous plant depending on species, requiring constant high humidity.. Keep the plant safe from cold drafts, drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or direct heaters. Ensure winter protection is maintained to prevent cellular damage and floppy leaf decay.

Choose a heavy unglazed clay or terracotta container with multiple bottom drainage holes. Terracotta allows excess soil moisture to breathe and evaporate safely. Repot the plant every 1 to 2 years in spring, upgrading to a container that is 2 inches wider.

Regularly inspect Sundew leaves for spider mites spinning fine webs under dusty leaves, cottony mealybugs hiding in leaf joints, or scale insects on stems. Treat immediately by wiping foliage with organic neem oil solution or spraying with mild insecticidal soap every 7 days.

Sundew can be affected by: • **Loss of Dew (Low Light/Low Humidity)**: Symptoms include The tentacles remain dry, lose their glistening drops, and the plant cannot trap insects.. *Action*: Increase light intensity immediately (use a strong LED grow light) and boost humidity above 50% by placing a dome or misting. Ensure soil is wet. | • **Mould / Botrytis**: Symptoms include Fuzzy grey or white mold develops on decaying leaves or trapped insect remains, leading to leaf rot.. *Action*: Improve air circulation, remove affected leaves with sterilized tools, and avoid spraying water directly onto the leaves.. Always prioritize soil drainage and proper air circulation. Spray leaves with organic fungicides like copper fungicide or chamomile tea sprays to prevent bacterial leaf spot spreads.

The secret to a gorgeous Sundew is consistent placement and cleaning. Avoid rotating or moving the plant frequently as sudden environmental shifts can induce shock. Wipe leaves with a damp microfiber cloth monthly to clear dust and enhance natural photosynthesis.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Loss of Dew (Low Light/Low Humidity)

Symptoms: The tentacles remain dry, lose their glistening drops, and the plant cannot trap insects.

Action: Increase light intensity immediately (use a strong LED grow light) and boost humidity above 50% by placing a dome or misting. Ensure soil is wet.

Mould / Botrytis

Symptoms: Fuzzy grey or white mold develops on decaying leaves or trapped insect remains, leading to leaf rot.

Action: Improve air circulation, remove affected leaves with sterilized tools, and avoid spraying water directly onto the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Sundew not producing sticky dew?

Lack of glistening dew is almost always due to insufficient light or low humidity. Sundews need very bright light (ideally full sun or strong grow lights) and high humidity. Ensure the pot sits in a shallow tray of pure water at all times.

What kind of water should I use for my Sundew?

You must ONLY use distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater. Tap water, bottled mineral water, or well water contain dissolved minerals that will quickly burn the sensitive roots and kill the plant.

Do I need to feed my Sundew insects?

If grown indoors, you can feed your Sundew a small, live insect (like a fruit fly or gnat) or crushed freeze-dried bloodworms once every few weeks. Only feed one or two leaves at a time. Never feed them human food or soil fertilizer.

Is the Sundew toxic to pets?

Sundews are non-toxic to pets. However, the sticky glue on the leaves can stick to pet fur or cause mild irritation if licked. Pets can easily knock over and damage the delicate plants, so keep them out of reach.