Sundew, botanically Drosera, is one of the carnivorous plants whose care requires a bit of sensitivity. Beginners should start with easy-care varieties such as Cape sundew or Drosera aliciae. How to properly care for sundews.
How do I properly care for my sundew?
Sundew care includes proper watering with rain or distilled water, avoiding fertilizer, feeding is usually not necessary, and ideally a sunny location. Repotting is important, overwintering depends on the variety, and pay attention to pests and diseases.
How do you water sundews correctly?
Sundew does not tolerate hard water. Only use rainwater or distilled water.
It is best to water Drosera using the damming method. To do this, place the pot in a deep saucer that you keep constantly filled with water. To avoid waterlogging, place drainage made of gravel or sand at the bottom of the pot.
In winter you should increase the humidity. Place bowls filled with water on the heater. However, ventilate sufficiently to prevent mold from forming.
Does sundew need fertilizer?
Carnivorous plants are generally not fertilized. They get their nutrients from the insects they catch, but above all from the substrate and the reserves stored in the leaves.
Does Drosera need to be fed?
Feeding sundews is not necessary. If you do decide to try it, never put dead insects on the leaves. Do not feed more than one animal at a time.
How bright should sundews be kept?
Sundew likes it very bright. The plant needs a very sunny location outdoors. When keeping the plant indoors, place the plant as brightly as possible and ensure high humidity.
For tropical and subtropical species, the use of additional lighting is recommended, especially in winter.
Can sundews go outside in summer?
As long as the temperatures outside are high enough, you are welcome to put sundews on the terrace or balcony.
However, the plants then need more water.
When does Drosera need to be repotted?
The plant substrate decomposes over time. Therefore, regular repotting is absolutely necessary.
The best time to transplant is early spring. The old substrate is completely removed and replaced with fresh carnivore soil.
What diseases and pests should you watch out for?
- Snails
- Spider mites
- Mold
Snails appear outdoors or when the plant has been outside in summer. Collect the snails and also dispose of the clutches.
Spider mites often attack sundews. Cumshots only help to a limited extent. For valuable species, you should use special products from garden retailers (€28.00 on Amazon).
If there is mold, you must immediately repot the sundew in the pot and remove all affected parts of the plant.
How do sundews overwinter?
Winter-hardy varieties stay outside all year round. For species that are grown as houseplants, overwintering depends on the variety. Most tropical species cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Tip
Sundew can be propagated via seeds, leaf cuttings or root cuttings. Propagation via leaf cuttings is the easiest way. The plants propagated in this way often bloom in the same year.