Sundew Drosera rotundifolia

Water

Water the Sundew plant regularly by providing a consistent moisture level. Use distilled water or rainwater to mimic its natural habitat. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during active growth. Provide water in a way that keeps the soil consistently damp, ensuring the Sundew maintains its ideal hydration.

Light

The Sundew plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it in a location where it receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade. Avoid exposing it to intense, direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. A well-lit windowsill or an area with bright, indirect light is ideal for promoting healthy growth. Consider the natural habitat of the Sundew, and replicate these lighting conditions to ensure optimal development.

Temperature

The Sundew plant prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can tolerate brief periods outside this range but should be protected from frost. Keep the plant away from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. In colder climates, provide protection during winter months. Monitor the temperature closely to create a stable environment that mimics the Sundew's native conditions.

Pruning

Pruning the Sundew plant is generally not necessary, as it naturally sheds older leaves. However, if you wish to remove dead or damaged foliage, use clean, sharp scissors. Trim close to the base of the leaf without damaging surrounding healthy growth. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the year. Avoid excessive pruning, as the Sundew's unique leaves play a crucial role in capturing prey.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Use a well-draining carnivorous plant mix for the Sundew. Create a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite in equal parts. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH in the range of 4.5 to 7.0. The Sundew thrives in nutrient-poor soil, so avoid adding regular fertilizers. Plant in a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and ensure the substrate remains consistently moist.

Repotting

Repot the Sundew every 1-2 years, or when the pot becomes crowded with growth. Typically, young plants may need more frequent repotting. Choose a time when the plant is actively growing, preferably in spring or early summer. Gently remove the plant from its current container, inspect the roots, and trim any dead or rotting parts. Repot into a fresh carnivorous plant mix, ensuring the roots are spread evenly.

Humidity & Misting

Maintain high humidity levels for the Sundew, ideally between 50% and 80%. Mimic its native bog environment by placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles. This increases humidity around the plant. Avoid direct misting, as it can disturb the delicate dew on the leaves. Use a humidity tray or a humidifier to create the necessary moisture levels for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Sundew indoors in bright, indirect light. Place it near a south or west-facing window for the required sunlight. Use a well-draining carnivorous plant mix in a small pot with drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain high humidity. Avoid overfeeding, as the plant primarily gains nutrients from captured insects.

• Outdoor

  Grow Sundew outdoors in a bog garden or a container placed in a sunny to partially shaded location. Ensure well-draining soil, such as a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite. Keep the soil consistently moist, replicating the plant's natural bog habitat. Protect from frost during winter months, and avoid placing it in direct, intense sunlight.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Planting Phase: In late winter to early spring, sow Sundew seeds on the soil surface. Press them gently to ensure good contact. This phase typically starts in March.

Growth Phase: As temperatures rise in spring, the Sundew enters its growth phase. From April to July, you'll observe increased foliage development as the plant acquires nutrients through photosynthesis and prey capture.

Blooming Phase: In late spring to early summer, usually from May to June, the Sundew enters its blooming phase. Delicate flowers, often pink or white, emerge on slender stems. This phase is essential for reproduction.

Harvest Phase: Sundews don't have a traditional harvest phase, as they derive nutrients from captured insects. However, during this time, you may observe an increase in dew production on the leaves, indicating active prey capture.

Anabiosis Phase: During late autumn and winter, typically from October to February, Sundews may experience a period of anabiosis or dormancy. In colder climates, they might die back to the roots, conserving energy until the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring - early summer

• Leaf Cuttings: Sundews can be propagated through leaf cuttings. In spring or early summer, select a healthy leaf from the parent plant. Cut the leaf carefully, ensuring you have a portion with the petiole attached. Place this cutting in a mixture of peat moss and sand, keeping it consistently moist. Over several weeks, new plantlets will emerge from the base of the leaf.
  
  Rhizome Division: Divide mature Sundew plants during the growing season, typically in spring or early summer. Gently remove the plant from its pot and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has both roots and leaves. Replant the divisions in suitable soil and keep them well-watered. This method is effective for rejuvenating crowded or overgrown Sundew colonies.
  
  Seed Propagation: Collect Sundew seeds after the blooming phase, typically in late summer. Sow the seeds on the soil surface of a suitable growing medium. Press them lightly to ensure good contact. Keep the soil consistently moist, and germination should occur within a few weeks. As the seedlings develop, transplant them into individual pots.
  
  Root Cuttings: In early spring, take root cuttings from a healthy Sundew plant. Select a portion of the rhizome with roots attached. Plant the cutting in a mixture of peat moss and sand, ensuring the roots are covered. Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture until new growth appears, indicating successful root establishment.
  
  Offset Propagation: Sundews produce offsets or side shoots as part of their natural growth. Separate these offsets from the parent plant during the growing season, ensuring each has roots attached. Plant the offsets in suitable soil, and they should establish themselves as independent plants. Regular watering is crucial during the initial stages of growth.

Pests

Spider mite, Whitefly, Thrips, Scale insects, Aphid

Diseases

Root Rot, Powdery mildew, Leaf spot, Rust