Sundew Care Guide
Drosera spp.
Quick Answer
Sundew is more forgiving than most people expect, but consistent care makes a big difference. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry rather than on a fixed schedule, give it adequate light for its category, and feed lightly during the growing season. Catching problems early — a change in leaf colour or texture — is the key to keeping it healthy.
⭐Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
☀️Light
Full sun to bright indirect
💧Watering
Keep tray with 1 inch of distilled water
🌫️Humidity
High (60–80%)
🌡️Temperature
40–90°F
📈Growth Rate
Moderate (tropical species); Slow in dormancy (temperate species)
Toxicity
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Watering
Summer
Keep tray with 1 inch of distilled water
Winter
Reduce tray water; keep slightly moist
Method: Tray method ONLY with distilled or rainwater — stand pot in 1 inch of distilled water at all times in growing season; NEVER tap water
In summer, aim to water sundew approximately keep tray with 1 inch of distilled water; in winter cut back to around reduce tray water; keep slightly moist. Rather than following a calendar, water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, then water thoroughly so it drains from the bottom. Yellow leaves often signal overwatering; drooping with dry soil means it needs water now.
Light Requirements
Full sun to bright indirect
Sundew does best in a south- or west-facing windowsill where it gets at least 2–4 hours of direct sun. Without direct light, Sundew stretches toward the light source, loses its compact shape, and colour or markings may fade.
Soil & Potting
Soil: Pure sphagnum moss or 50/50 perlite and sphagnum — NO regular potting mix; NO fertilizer
Pot: Plastic pot (not terracotta) in a standing water tray
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 40–90°F (4–32°C)
Humidity: High (60–80%)
Fertilizing
Frequency: Never — leaves catch insects; no soil fertilizer ever
Type: Insects only; never fertilize the soil
Common Problems
Non-sticky tentacles
Non-sticky tentacles: Insufficient light or tap water. Use only distilled water; maximize sun. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Brown dying leaves
Brown dying leaves: Tap water minerals or normal leaf aging. Always use distilled water. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Plant melting/rotting
Plant melting/rotting: Fungal disease from poor airflow. Improve circulation; repot if needed. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Winter die-back (temperate species)
Winter die-back (temperate species): Normal dormancy. Keep barely moist; will reshoot in spring. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Propagation
Sundew can be propagated from individual leaf cuttings. Remove a healthy leaf at the base with a short piece of stem attached, let the cut end callous for a few hours, then push it into dry or barely moist succulent mix. Don't water for the first week — you want it to develop roots in search of moisture. New growth will appear from the base of the leaf within several weeks. Leaves pulled cleanly without any base tissue will not root.
Seasonal Care Calendar
🌸 Spring
Spring is when Sundew starts actively pushing new growth as day length and light intensity increase. Increase watering frequency as the plant becomes more active, begin fertilising every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser, and this is the ideal window for repotting or taking cuttings.
☀️ Summer
Summer is peak growing season — Sundew is working hard and using water and nutrients faster than at other times of year. Water more frequently but check the soil rather than going on a fixed schedule, since heat and higher light accelerate drying. If you move it outdoors, introduce it to conditions gradually to prevent sun scorch.
🍂 Fall
Fall is a transition: Sundew grows more slowly as light levels decrease. Reduce watering frequency slightly, stop fertilising by late October, and move it closer to a window to compensate for shorter days. Avoid drafts from opening windows as temperatures drop. Watch for flower buds developing around spring–summer — avoid repotting or relocating the plant at this time.
❄️ Winter
In winter, Sundew enters a slower-growth phase and uses water more slowly than in summer. Water less frequently to avoid root issues from soil staying wet too long in low light. If your home is heated and the air is dry, a pebble tray or humidifier keeps the plant comfortable.