Sundew care guide
Drosera
Also known as: Drosera, Cape sundew, Spoon-leaved sundew
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Sundew
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every day
- Grow it standing in a tray of water and keep the tray filled: check about daily, and in summer change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 2 days
- Keep the tray going; it drops more slowly, so top up about every two to three days.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 3 days
- Growth slows but it must stay moist: keep a shallow tray and check it about every three to four days.
Light and placement for Sundew
It likes plenty of light: as a guide, a spot outdoors with morning sun or a bright window, since the sticky droplets generally vanish when light is short; in midsummer shade just the pot so the tray does not overheat.
Overwintering Sundew
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
It depends on the kind: native Japanese sundews rest dormant outdoors, while the widely sold Cape sundew and other warm-climate kinds are kept at a bright indoor window above 5°C as a guide; both generally stay in their tray.
Fertilizing and repotting Sundew
Fertilizer
As a guide, no fertilizer: nutrients from fertilizer or ordinary potting soil generally harm the roots, and it needs no feeding.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Sundew
- One dry spell with an empty tray can kill it.
- Kept in dim light it makes no dew and the pale leaves weaken.
- Ordinary potting soil or fertilizer damages the roots.
Tips for growing Sundew
- Pot it in sphagnum or a peat-based mix and change the tray water more often in summer.
- Fewer sticky droplets mean too little light or humidity.
- The Cape sundew readily seeds itself into the pot after flowering.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
