Also known as sundews, are carnivorous plants whose leaves are covered in sticky tentacles capable of capturing small insects. Drosera are found on several continents, with many species adapted to humid, nutrient-poor environments. Cultivation is generally simple provided a few essential rules regarding water, light, and substrate are followed.

Drosera cultivation

1 - What kind of exposure is needed for a Drosera ?

Drosera thrive in very strong light. Most species grow best with several hours of direct sunlight. Good exposure promotes mucilage production and the red coloration of the leaves.

2 - What type of water should be used to water a Drosera ?

Drosera plants should only be watered with rainwater, reverse osmosis water, or demineralized water. Tap water often contains too many minerals and can damage the plant in the long run.

3 - What substrate should be used to grow a Drosera ?

Drosera thrive in poor, acidic substrates. The most commonly used mix consists of sphagnum peat moss and perlite . A mixture of peat and quartz sand is also suitable.

4 - Should the substrate always be kept moist?

Yes. The substrate must remain constantly moist. Growing in a saucer with a few centimeters of water is generally the simplest method.

5 - Can Drosera be grown indoors?

Some tropical species such as Drosera capensis or can be grown indoors if they benefit from very intense light or suitable horticultural lighting.

Common problems with Drosera

6 - Why does my Drosera no longer have sticky substance?

The absence of mucilage is often due to insufficient light, excessively dry air, or stress following repotting or a change of environment. When growing conditions improve, slime production usually resumes.

7 - Why are the leaves of my Drosera turning red?

A red coloration is normal in many species. It appears when the plant receives plenty of light and generally indicates good growing conditions.

8 - Why is my Drosera dying?

The most frequent causes are the use of tap water, a lack of light, an unsuitable substrate, or a drying out of the substrate.

9 - Should you feed a Drosera ?

No. Drosera naturally capture insects when grown outdoors. Indoors, they may occasionally capture small prey, but feeding them is generally unnecessary.

Drosera cultivation techniques

10 - How to propagate a Drosera ?

Drosera can be propagated by sowing seeds, by leaf cuttings, or by division, depending on the species. Some species also produce gems, allowing for rapid propagation.

11 - Why are Drosera roots long?

Some species have a deep taproot which allows them to withstand harsh conditions and sometimes produce new shoots even if the aerial part disappears.

12 - Do Drosera have a dormancy period?

It depends on the species. Tropical Drosera grow all year round, while some temperate species enter winter dormancy when temperatures and day length decrease.

Growing a Drosera

Sundews ( Drosera ) are carnivorous plants that are generally easy to grow if their basic needs are met. Very intense light, a poor, acidic substrate, and watering with rainwater or demineralized water will produce vigorous plants that abundantly produce their characteristic mucilage.

The wide diversity of Drosera species offers a wide variety of shapes and growth habits, making them particularly interesting plants for starting or expanding a carnivorous plant collection. By following these few cultivation principles, Drosera can thrive easily in pots, terrariums, or outdoors, depending on the species.

You can also consult our section dedicated to Dionaea culture , similar to that of Drosera .

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