Are you just getting started with your new Sundew plant? Here are some guidelines to help it
thrive.
- Start with the appropriate soil. Like most carnivorous plants, sundews do best in soil
low in nutrients that can remain moist. You can purchase carnivorous plant soil from our
store to save time or combine a 1:1 ratio of peat moss and horticultural sand. - You’ll want to avoid standard potting soils of any kind as well as plant fertilizer. Both can
kill your Drosera plant. Instead, you’ll want to provide a steady insect diet (more on that
in step 4). - Have the correct type of water on hand. Like most carnivorous plants, Drosera plants
are particularly sensitive to the minerals and additives in tap water. If you have a reverse
osmosis system in your house, you can use water from your RO faucet. If not, you’ll
want to purchase demineralized/distilled water (available in most grocery stores) or
devise a system to collect rainwater. - You’ll want to keep your Sundew’s soil constantly damp. Of course, it doesn’t need to be
soaking wet, but neither should you let the soil be dry to the touch. If you’re worried you’ll
forget to water your carnivorous plants, consider placing the pots in a shallow container
filled with water and allow the plants to absorb the water from the bottom up. - Give it adequate light. Drosera plants can survive in full sun to partial shade. Do be
careful of scorching if you’re putting your Sundew in a south-facing window: If you notice
its leaves turning brown, move it farther from the window or place a sheer curtain
between the window and the plant to filter the light. Consider a full spectrum plant light if
you don’t have a sunny enough spot for your carnivorous plant. - Provide a steady diet of insects. Sundew plants eat most insects you’re likely to find
in your home: house flies, fruit flies, ants, and spiders. So if you see that your plant is
regularly trapping these on its own, you won’t need to worry about it. However, if you
don’t notice regular insects on the plant, you will need to either catch live insects to feed
it or purchase freeze-dried ones. If you regularly need to provide your plant with bugs,
you may find a terrarium a beneficial environment to grow your carnivorous plants. This
way, you can release the insects into the terrarium without worrying about them flying
around your flat or home. - Do a bit of research on your particular plant. Some Drosera plants, such as the
Drosera anglica and Drosera Rotundifolia, require a period of dormancy in the winter
months. Others, such as the Drosera Capensis, originate from climates that are warm
year-round and don’t need a period of “rest.” Make sure you know which variety of
Sundew plant you own so that you can care for it properly.