About
This small, perennial, rosette-forming red and green carnivorous plant with small, spiky star-shaped 'gemmae' or baby plants in the centre of the rosette. Sticky hairs make the plants glisten in the light and work to trap and digest insects. Best grown under very bright, artificial LED light with no root disturbance.
About the genus
Drosera, commonly known as the sundews are one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants. They are perennial or (more rarely) annual, upright herbaceous plants forming either prostrate or upright rosettes, and can live for up to 50 years.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSW Australia
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass grow in a mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light, although may need shading from hot midday sun in summer. The compost should be kept continually moist to wet during the growing season by standing the container in a tray of lime-free water, such as rainwater or Reverse Osmosis water. Keep just moist during the winter and do not stand the plants in water. Do not apply fertiliser at all through the year. Minimum temperatures should be no lower than 5C in the winter. In lower temperatures the plant may die back to the roots, but sometimes regenerates again in the spring. Take care not to disturb roots. For further information see Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed (if produced) or offsets. Offsets (gemmae) should be planted as soon as possible after removal as they dry out quickly
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free