If you have just picked up a Sundew, you are probably wondering how to keep this sticky, bug-eating beauty alive, especially as winter settles in. We have been there too, staring at tiny dewdrop-covered leaves and hoping we are not about to mess it all up. Do not stress. Sundews, or Drosera plants, are more forgiving than they look.
These carnivorous plants might seem picky, but once we got the hang of their light, water, and feeding needs, it felt pretty doable. Growing them indoors does take a bit of planning, especially when bugs start disappearing in colder weather, but it is not hard. We will walk through the basics of caring for Sundews indoors using our go-to houseplant care guide, including light, water, substrate, feeding, and winter adjustments.
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The Basics of Sundew (Drosera) Plant Care
Sundews are incredible little plants that trap insects with sticky droplets along their leaves. These droplets look like dew, which is how they got their name. They use those bug snacks for nutrients their roots cannot get from poor-quality soils in the wild.
In nature, most Sundews grow in swampy, low-nutrient environments around the world, from Australia and South Africa to North America. While they might look dramatic, many varieties adapt well to indoor care.
The most beginner-friendly types include Drosera capensis (Cape Sundew) and Drosera spatulata. Both are known for their tolerance and resilience. There are also smaller species, like Drosera pulchella, that do better in humid setups like terrariums. Regardless of type, most Drosera plants like bright light, distilled water, and a low-nutrient soil mix.
A unique tip from our houseplant care resources: letting your Sundew sit in a shallow tray of distilled water, especially during warm months, helps keep roots healthy and prevents the soil from drying out. Fresh, pure water is essential and should be changed regularly.
Light, Water, and Humidity Needs
Most Sundews need five to eight hours of bright light a day to thrive. If a sunny windowsill is not enough, we use a grow light to keep ours happy, especially during the darker winter months.
We never use tap water on Sundews. The minerals can build up fast and damage roots. Instead, we stick with distilled or collected rainwater and water from the bottom using a tray method.
Humidity matters too. Some Sundews can handle drier air, but many tropical ones (like pulchella) need gentle airflow and consistent humidity. We often add a small humidifier nearby or use a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles to help raise moisture around the plant without soaking the roots.
Another helpful insight from Houseplant Resource Center’s blog: grouping Sundews with other humidity-loving plants or setting pots on a humidity tray can increase local moisture levels, supporting both healthy leaves and sticky dew.
Feeding Your Sundew: Yes, It Still Needs Nutrients
It is true that Sundews catch bugs naturally, but if you are growing them inside, that may not happen as often, especially in the colder months. In that case, light feeding helps them stay healthy.
We feed ours about once or twice a month, usually with a foliar spray made for carnivorous plants. The key is using something low in nitrogen that will not burn the plant. Ultra-dilute fertilizer is fine if you apply it the right way. We have also used dried bloodworms or fruit flies placed gently onto the dew-covered leaves. Never overfeed or stuff bugs into every leaf. This will stress the plant.
If your Sundew is not producing dew, that usually means there is a light or humidity problem, or it may be recovering from stress. Dew returns when the plant has what it needs and is feeling secure in its space again.
Soil and Repotting Tips for Healthy Growth
Sundews do not want rich soil. In fact, the less nutrient-packed it is, the better.
We make our mix with equal parts peat moss and perlite. No compost, no fertilizer pellets, definitely no standard potting soil.
If your plant starts to look limp or the soil is not draining well, it is time to repot. We usually repot every year or two and use pots with good drainage holes. When we repot, we sometimes add a gentle root supplement to help it take hold faster in the fresh mix.
The Houseplant Resource Center often reminds new growers that using a clean, well-draining mix ensures that Drosera roots do not stay too wet, preventing root rot and keeping growth steady year-round.
Seasonal Shifts: Helping Your Sundew Thrive in Late Fall and Winter
Late fall and winter bring some challenges. Shorter days, lower humidity, and cooler rooms can affect your plant. Many Sundews slow down or stop growing this time of year. That is normal.
We reduce watering just slightly, make sure the room does not get too cold, and avoid feeding unless we know the plant is still actively growing. For those with a dormancy cycle, like some temperate species, we let them rest. The leaves may die back, but as long as the roots stay healthy, they will return as the days get longer.
If humidity drops too low indoors during winter, we recommend misting the area daily or using a small humidifier. Just do not mist the actual plant if it does not react well to that. Watch how it responds and adjust.
Creating Long-Term Success with Sundews
Once we learned to match our care routine to what Sundews naturally need, they became one of the easier carnivorous plants to manage indoors. It really comes down to light, clean water, and a proper soil setup.
We keep things consistent, watch for any signs of stress like leaf browning or lack of dew, and adjust as needed. Whether it is summer or late fall, Sundews can bring a lot of wow with very little upkeep if you stick to the basics and check in on them often.
Unlock the secrets to nurturing your Sundew plants with confidence using the houseplant care guide from Houseplant Resource Center. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned plant enthusiast, our guide offers expert tips for maintaining these unique carnivorous wonders.
Embrace the joy of indoor gardening as you discover the perfect balance of light, water, and soil to ensure your Sundews thrive all year round. Let us help you transform your space with healthy, thriving plants that showcase nature’s fascinating diversity.
