Tropical Sundew Care Guide

Tropical sundew is an individual carnivorous plant classed under the Drosera species. Also, these carnivorous plants grow into a plethora of shapes, sizes, and are predominantly red. They get nutrition from both the sun and insects. Also, surprisingly, they are effortless to grow just as long as you follow the tips we’ve compiled in this tropical Sundew care guide.

Some of the most commonly cultivated tropical sundew species you can find are:

Cape Sundew
Drosera Capensis
Spoon-leaf Sundew
Drosera Spatulata
Drosera Aliciae
Alice Sundew
Drosera Dielsiana
King Sundew
Drosera Regia
Drosera Binata
Fork-leaf Sundew
Drosera Multifida
Pygmy Sundew
Drosera Scorpiodes
Drosera Adelae
Woolly sundews
Drosera Tokaiensis

While different tropical sundews have specific characteristics, they can all require similar care. So, here we’ve compiled valuable tips to help guide you in growing and caring for your tropical sundews.

Natural Habitat:

Irrespective of their shape and size, tropical sundews originate from warm, frost-free climate regions of the world. Moreover, its natural geographical hotspots include South Africa, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and South America.

Where to Grow:

Many tropical sundews can adapt well to their environment, their ideal habitat is generally open, wetlands or cliff-side seeps with weak soil and enough sunlight. You can also grow tropical sundews as an indoor plant by setting them on a sunny windowsill. However, if you reside in a tropical region where the temperature hardly ever drops below 20°C, grow your plants outdoors. In any case, always guard tropical sundews against extreme weather conditions.

Propagation Method:

It is easy to propagate Tropical sundews from seeds, leaf cuttings, divisions, and root sections. Sometimes, a severed sundew can develop new growth on its roots, and new roots will spring out from it.

Sourcing for Seeds:

If you are purchasing your seeds from a nursery, request to know when the seeds were harvested. Ideally, healthy seeds should not be more than six months old post-harvest. So, if they are over six months old, ensure they were stored in a refrigerator. Under refrigeration, seeds can last for years.

Here is a few we've had success with

Planting media:

Use a soil mix of 1 part silica sand or perlite to 1 part Sphagnum peat moss. Also, do not use potting soils or Sphagnum peat moss that contains compost, fertilizer, or extra additives in it; it will kill your plant. If you are unable to get sand with a composition of almost pure silica such as swimming pool filter sand or sandblasting, use perlite as a substitute. Also, ensure that the soil is entirely moist.

Planting vessel:

Use a plastic, glazed ceramic or an insulating polyurethane foam container to plant your seeds or roots. The container should also have a drainage hole. Ensure the container is 3 or 4 inches wide and at least 4 inches deep but preferably 6-8 inches deep. Do not use terrariums or any other glass or transparent containers. So, using this type of containers will allow direct sunlight to pass through the transparent sides. It can cause the soil and the air around the plant to heat up to a damaging degree. After that, sprinkle your seeds evenly over the soil and very gently tap them down. It is easier to sow several Drosera seeds in a large container and separate them after they have germinated.

Water:

Tropical sundews require mineral-free water. Thus, use only distilled water or rainwater. Tap water and most bottled drinking water contain high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Keep the soil wet at all times. Watering your sundews with these types of water will cause TDS to build up in the land gradually. It may damage your plant. Also, ensure you moisten your tropical sundews often to prevent the soil from drying out. They thrive well in wet, saturated soil. You can also set a watering tray beneath the plant pot and fill it with small amounts of water.

We have compiled a guide in regards as well to watering your Carnivorous plants in general: What Kind of Water Should You Use for Carnivorous Plants?

Sunlight:

Tropical sundews need as much direct sunlight as they can get. Avoid placing them under full shade. Thus, you can grow them in spots where they can access sunlight or on the sunniest windowsill. They may survive with less light, but their full colors will not truly develope. A minimum exposure time of 6 hours of bright sunlight is recommended.

Artificial Lights:

If you are unable to grow tropical droseras outdoors or you do not have access to a sunny windowsill, you can make use of strong fluorescent lights. The lights should have a minimum actual output of 40 watts. For a start, the lights should be placed approximately 12 inches above the sundews. A light source such as T-5 or T-8 fluorescent lights should be placed about 6 inches above the plant.

Ensure you monitor your plants regularly at first. Adjust the height of the fluorescent lights if you are not happy with their growth. You can use a timer to ensure regular daylight hours are maintained. About 14 hours of artificial light is sufficient all year-round. If the artificial light is inadequate, the leaves and tentacles of the tropical sundew will not develop properly.

Dormancy:

Tropical droseras do not become dormant. They grow all year round under average room temperature, warm or cold weather conditions.

Temperature:

They can endure short periods of shallow temperatures and well over 90F during summer.

The Germination Period:

Fungus and mold spores can prevent your seeds from germinating. To avoid this, spray your drosera seeds with a sulfur-based fungicide or Neem oil before planting. The seeds will sprout within 3-6 weeks, depending on the air temperature. Make sure you keep the air temperature within the range of 75°F and 85°F for optimal germination. Look for tiny versions of the adult plant. Once you notice germination has begun, ensure your seedlings are exposed to enough bright sunlight. Within a few months, your tropical sundews will be mature enough to place in separate containers.

If you follow this tropical sundew care guide and growing tips, you’ll be well on your way to growing beautiful and healthy carnivorous plants!