Growing a sundew plant is easier than you think—if you know the right care techniques. These fascinating carnivorous plants thrive with proper lighting, distilled water, and nutrient-poor soil. With the right environment, your sundew will flourish and catch insects naturally.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s equal parts beautiful and bizarre, the sundew plant is a fantastic choice. Known scientifically as *Drosera*, these carnivorous wonders are covered in glistening, dew-like droplets that sparkle in the sunlight. But don’t be fooled—those “dewdrops” are actually sticky glands that trap and digest insects. Sundews are nature’s tiny insect assassins, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow at home with the right care.
What makes sundews so special is their unique adaptation to nutrient-poor environments like bogs and wetlands. In these habitats, the soil lacks essential nutrients like nitrogen, so sundews evolved to catch and consume insects to survive. This carnivorous lifestyle means they have very different care needs than your average houseplant. While they may look delicate, sundews are hardy and resilient when given the right conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant lover, growing a sundew can be a rewarding and educational experience.
Key Takeaways
- Use only distilled or rainwater: Sundews are sensitive to minerals in tap water, which can damage their roots and stunt growth.
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight: Aim for 4–6 hours of direct morning sun and bright filtered light the rest of the day for optimal health.
- Plant in nutrient-free soil: A mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite (or sand) mimics their natural bog habitat and prevents root burn.
- Never fertilize the soil: Sundews get nutrients from insects, not soil. Fertilizing can kill them.
- Feed occasionally with small insects: If grown indoors, offer tiny bugs like fruit flies once every 2–3 weeks to support growth.
- Maintain high humidity: Keep humidity above 50% using a humidity tray or indoor greenhouse to mimic their native environment.
- Avoid touching the sticky tentacles: Frequent touching can exhaust the plant and reduce its ability to catch prey.
📑 Table of Contents
Understanding Sundew Plant Basics
Before diving into care tips, it’s helpful to understand what makes sundews tick. There are over 190 species of sundews, ranging from tiny tropical varieties to robust temperate types that go dormant in winter. Some common types include *Drosera capensis* (Cape sundew), *Drosera spatulata*, and *Drosera binata*. Each has slightly different needs, but the core care principles remain the same.
Sundews have long, slender leaves covered in tiny tentacles tipped with sticky mucilage. When an insect lands on the leaf, the tentacles slowly curl around it, trapping and digesting the prey over several days. This process provides the plant with essential nutrients it can’t get from the soil. The leaves often turn bright red in strong light, which not only adds to their beauty but also helps attract prey.
One key thing to remember is that sundews are not fast growers. They may take months to show significant size increases, especially if they’re not catching enough insects. Patience is part of the journey. But with consistent care, your sundew will reward you with new leaves, flowers, and even seeds.
Choosing the Right Sundew for Your Home
Not all sundews are created equal when it comes to indoor growing. Some species are better suited for beginners due to their hardiness and adaptability.
Best Sundew Varieties for Beginners
- Drosera capensis (Cape Sundew): This is arguably the easiest sundew to grow. It’s fast-growing, produces plenty of seeds, and tolerates a range of conditions. It thrives in bright light and stays compact, making it perfect for windowsills.
- Drosera spatulata: Known for its spoon-shaped leaves and prolific flowering, this species does well in terrariums and high-humidity setups. It’s also one of the most colorful sundews, with bright red tentacles.
- Drosera adelae: Native to Australia, this tropical sundew has broad, flat leaves and grows well in terrariums. It loves warmth and humidity, making it ideal for indoor environments.
If you live in a cooler climate or want a plant that goes dormant in winter, consider temperate species like *Drosera rotundifolia*. These require a winter rest period with cooler temperatures and reduced watering, so they’re better for more experienced growers.
Ideal Lighting Conditions for Sundew Plants
Light is one of the most critical factors in sundew plant care. These plants need plenty of bright light to produce their sticky tentacles and vibrant colors.
How Much Light Do Sundews Need?
Most sundews require at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably in the morning. The rest of the day should be filled with bright, indirect light. A south- or east-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with a full-spectrum grow light placed 6–12 inches above the plant for 12–14 hours a day.
Without enough light, sundews become leggy, lose their red coloration, and produce fewer tentacles. This not only affects their appearance but also their ability to catch insects. On the flip side, too much intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, especially in hot climates. If you notice browning or crispy edges, move the plant to a slightly shadier spot or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Signs of Poor Lighting
- Long, stretched stems (etiolation)
- Pale green or yellow leaves
- Few or no sticky droplets
- Slow or no new growth
If you see these signs, increase the light gradually to avoid shock. A healthy sundew should have compact growth, deep color, and glistening tentacles.
Watering and Humidity Requirements
Sundews are native to wet, boggy environments, so they need constant moisture—but not just any water will do.
Use Only Pure Water
Never use tap water, bottled water, or filtered water that contains minerals. Sundews are extremely sensitive to dissolved salts and minerals like calcium and chlorine, which can build up in the soil and damage the roots. Instead, use distilled water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, or collected rainwater. These options are free of harmful additives and mimic the pure water found in natural bogs.
Watering Method: The Tray Technique
The best way to water a sundew is the tray method. Place the pot in a shallow dish filled with 1–2 inches of pure water. Let the plant absorb moisture from the bottom for a few hours, then pour out any excess. This keeps the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Avoid letting the plant sit in water for days, as this can lead to root rot.
Maintaining High Humidity
Sundews prefer humidity levels between 50% and 80%. In dry indoor environments, especially during winter, humidity can drop significantly. To boost moisture:
- Use a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles (make sure the pot sits above the water, not in it).
- Group plants together to create a microclimate.
- Place the sundew in a terrarium or mini greenhouse.
- Mist the air around the plant (not the leaves) occasionally.
Avoid misting the leaves directly, as this can wash away the sticky mucilage and reduce the plant’s ability to catch prey.
Soil and Potting Mix for Sundews
Sundews need a very specific type of soil—one that’s acidic, nutrient-poor, and well-draining.
The Right Soil Mix
A standard potting mix is a big no-no. These soils are rich in nutrients and minerals that can harm sundews. Instead, use a mix of:
- 50% sphagnum peat moss
- 50% perlite or horticultural sand
This combination retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain, mimicking the plant’s natural habitat. You can also use long-fiber sphagnum moss for tropical species, but avoid composted or fertilized moss.
Choosing the Right Pot
Use unglazed clay or plastic pots with drainage holes. Avoid decorative pots without drainage, as they can trap water and cause root rot. For terrariums, shallow containers work best since sundews have shallow root systems.
When repotting, do so in spring before the growing season. Gently remove the plant, shake off old soil, and place it in fresh mix. Don’t bury the crown (the center of the plant) too deep—this can lead to rot.
Feeding Your Sundew: Do They Need Insects?
One of the most exciting aspects of growing sundews is watching them catch and digest insects. But do you need to feed them manually?
Natural Feeding vs. Supplemental Feeding
If your sundew is grown outdoors or near an open window, it will likely catch enough insects on its own. Flies, gnats, and small ants are common prey. However, indoor sundews often need a little help.
How to Feed Your Sundew
- Use small, live insects like fruit flies, gnats, or tiny crickets.
- Place the insect directly onto a sticky tentacle using tweezers.
- Feed only 1–2 insects per plant every 2–3 weeks.
- Never feed meat, fish, or processed food—these can rot and harm the plant.
Overfeeding can stress the plant, so less is more. A well-fed sundew will produce more leaves and stronger tentacles, but even unfed plants can survive for months on stored energy.
Should You Fertilize?
Absolutely not. Never apply fertilizer to the soil. Sundews absorb nutrients through their leaves, not roots, and soil fertilizers can burn the roots and kill the plant. If you want to boost growth, use a very diluted foliar spray (1/4 strength orchid fertilizer) applied to the leaves—but only occasionally and with pure water.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Even with the best care, sundews can face issues. Here’s how to spot and fix common problems.
Brown or Black Leaves
This is usually a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or mineral buildup. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, repot in fresh mix and reduce watering. If the pot lacks drainage, switch to a better container.
Loss of Sticky Droplets
If the tentacles dry up, it’s likely due to low humidity, poor lighting, or using the wrong water. Increase humidity, improve light, and switch to distilled water.
Pests and Diseases
Sundews are generally pest-resistant, but they can attract aphids or fungus gnats. Rinse the plant gently with distilled water to remove pests. For fungus gnats, let the top layer of soil dry slightly between waterings.
Dormancy in Temperate Species
Some sundews, like *Drosera rotundifolia*, go dormant in winter. The leaves may die back, and the plant forms a hibernaculum (a protective bud). Reduce watering and keep the plant in a cool (40–50°F), bright location until spring growth resumes.
Conclusion
Caring for a sundew plant is a unique and rewarding experience. These carnivorous beauties bring a touch of the wild into your home, combining striking visuals with fascinating biology. By providing bright light, pure water, the right soil, and occasional insect meals, you’ll create an environment where your sundew can truly thrive.
Remember, sundews are not high-maintenance, but they do have specific needs that differ from typical houseplants. Avoid tap water, skip the fertilizer, and give them plenty of light and humidity. With patience and attention, your sundew will grow strong, catch its own meals, and maybe even bloom with delicate pink or white flowers.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned plant enthusiast, the sundew plant offers endless fascination. So go ahead—bring one home, watch it glow in the sun, and enjoy the quiet drama of nature’s tiny predator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tap water for my sundew plant?
No, never use tap water. It contains minerals and chemicals that can damage or kill sundews. Always use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater to keep your plant healthy.
How often should I feed my sundew?
Feed your sundew 1–2 small insects every 2–3 weeks if it’s grown indoors. Outdoor plants usually catch enough prey on their own and don’t need supplemental feeding.
Why are my sundew’s leaves turning black?
Black or brown leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or mineral buildup from tap water. Check the soil moisture and repot if necessary using a proper carnivorous plant mix.
Do sundews need a lot of light?
Yes, sundews need bright light—at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without enough light, they become weak, lose color, and stop producing sticky tentacles.
Can I grow a sundew in a terrarium?
Absolutely! Many sundew species, like *Drosera spatulata* and *Drosera adelae*, thrive in terrariums due to the high humidity. Just ensure there’s good airflow and proper lighting.
Should I fertilize my sundew plant?
No, never fertilize the soil. Sundews get nutrients from insects, not soil. Fertilizer can burn the roots and kill the plant. If needed, use a very diluted foliar spray sparingly.