Drosera x carbarup

Tropical sundews are a diverse and fascinating group of carnivorous plants known for their elegant, sticky tentacles that glisten with dew. Species like Drosera capensis and Drosera binata are excellent choices for both beginners and experienced growers due to their resilience and continuous growth. With the right care, these beautiful plants will thrive and provide endless fascination

Key Care Requirements

Light: The Fuel for Dew

Tropical sundews need bright, direct light to produce their sticky, glistening dew and maintain vibrant color. Dew production is a metabolically demanding process. Strong light is essential to drive photosynthesis, providing the energy needed to create the sugary mucilage that attracts and traps prey.

• Natural Light: Place your plant in a sunny windowsill that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Artificial Light: If natural light is limited, a full-spectrum grow light is an excellent alternative. Place the light 6-12 inches above the plant for 12-16 hours a day.
• Check out our cultivation guide about Light

Water: Purity is Paramount

Tropical sundews are extremely sensitive to the minerals found in tap water. Your plant’s roots are adapted for nutrient-poor bogs. Minerals in tap water can cause osmotic stress, a reverse-watering effect that can burn the roots and slowly poison the plant.

• Golden Rule: Use only pure, mineral-free water such as distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis (RO) water.
• Method: The tray method is ideal. Place the pot in a saucer or tray with 1-2 inches of water, allowing the media to wick up moisture from the bottom. Never let the pot dry out.
• Check out or cultivation guide about Water

Soil: A Clean Slate

 Use a low-nutrient, well-draining soil mix that mimics the plant's native bog habitat. Tropical sundews evolved in oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) environments. Their roots are not designed to handle the high mineral content found in regular soil.

• Recommended Mix: A blend of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite, horticultural sand, or pumice.
• Never Use: Do not use standard potting soil, compost, or soil fertilizer, as these will kill your plant.
• Checks out our cultivation guide about Soil

Temperature & Humidity: Consistency is Key

Tropical sundews do not require a dormancy period and thrive in a stable, warm environment. High humidity reduces the rate of water loss from the plant, allowing it to maintain the glistening dew that is essential for catching prey.

• Temperature: Maintain consistent temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
• Humidity: They enjoy high humidity (above 50%), which helps keep their leaves dewy.
• Check out our cultivation guide about Temperature
• Check out our cultivation guide about Humidity

Feeding: An Optional Boost

Your plant will catch its own food if placed outdoors. Indoors, supplemental feeding is not required for survival but can significantly boost growth. While sundews get energy from photosynthesis, they get essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from insects. Supplemental feeding provides these nutrients and can dramatically accelerate growth.

• Method: Place a small insect like a fruit fly or gnat on a dewy leaf once every 2-4 weeks.
• Fertilizer: You can also use a highly diluted, urea-free liquid fertilizer as a foliar spray once a month, such as MaxSea 16-16-16 at 1/4tsp per gallon
• Check out our cultivation guide about Nutrients