The term “honey dew carnivorous plant” commonly refers to the Sundew, scientifically known as Drosera species. These captivating plants trap insects using leaves covered in hair-like tentacles, each tipped with a glistening, sticky mucilage resembling morning dew. This “dew” lures and ensnares unsuspecting insects.
Understanding Sundews
Sundews (genus Drosera) are a large group of carnivorous plants. Their distinctive feature is the mucilage produced by glandular tentacles on their leaves. This sticky fluid, a complex sugary substance, attracts prey and physically traps insects.
Once an insect is caught, the plant’s tentacles, and sometimes the entire leaf, slowly curl inward. This movement further ensnares the prey and brings it into contact with digestive glands. These glands release enzymes that break down the insect, allowing the plant to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are typically scarce in their natural habitats. Sundews naturally thrive in nutrient-poor environments such as bogs, fens, and swamps, where water is abundant but soil minerals are lacking.
Essential Care for Sundew Plants
Light Requirements
Sundews generally require significant light to thrive and produce their characteristic sticky “dew.” Most species prefer full sun exposure, ideally receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a bright, unobstructed south or west-facing window is often suitable, though supplemental grow lights (such as LED lights) can provide the necessary intensity.
Insufficient light reduces dew production, causes leggy or stretched growth, and diminishes vibrant coloration. More intense light often makes leaves redder, indicating a healthy plant and helping protect it from sun damage.
Water Quality and Method
Water quality is paramount for Sundew health. These plants are highly sensitive to minerals and salts in tap water, which can accumulate and harm them. Use only distilled water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, or collected rainwater.
The “tray method” is a common and effective watering technique. Place the plant’s pot in a saucer or tray continuously filled with about 1 to 2 inches of pure water. This allows the soil to wick up moisture from the bottom, keeping the growing medium consistently moist without being waterlogged, which is crucial for these bog-dwelling plants.
Potting Mix and Containers
Sundews require a nutrient-poor, acidic potting mix that retains moisture while providing adequate drainage. Standard potting soils with fertilizers or added nutrients are detrimental and can quickly kill these carnivorous plants. An ideal mixture typically consists of sphagnum peat moss combined with a drainage-enhancing material like perlite or horticultural-grade silica sand.
Containers should have drainage holes and be made of plastic or glazed ceramic, as unglazed clay pots can leach minerals into the soil and dry out too quickly.
Temperature and Humidity
Most Sundews prefer warm, moist, and humid environments, mimicking their natural bog and swamp habitats. Optimal temperatures generally range between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C).
High humidity, ideally between 40% and 70%, is beneficial for robust dew production and overall plant health. Indoors, humidity can be maintained through the tray method of watering, placing the plant in a terrarium, or using a humidifier.
Feeding Your Sundew
Sundews are adept at attracting and capturing their own prey when grown outdoors or in environments with flying insects. For plants grown indoors where natural prey is scarce, occasional supplemental feeding can be beneficial for growth.
Offer small insects, such as wingless fruit flies or rehydrated freeze-dried bloodworms, every few weeks. Avoid feeding large insects or human food, as these can overwhelm the plant’s digestive capabilities or lead to rot. Only feed leaves that have active dew, as a plant lacking dew may be stressed and unable to digest food properly.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
A common concern for Sundew growers is the lack of sticky dew. This often indicates environmental stress, primarily from insufficient light, low humidity, or high-mineral water. Ensuring adequate bright light, appropriate humidity, and pure water sources can help restore dew production.
Browning leaves or a general decline in plant health can stem from mineral buildup from tap water, inadequate humidity, or even transplant shock. Over-fertilization or nutrient-rich soil will also lead to browning and plant demise, as Sundews are adapted to nutrient-poor conditions. Addressing water quality and confirming the potting mix is nutrient-free are crucial steps.
While generally resilient, Sundews can occasionally face pest infestations like aphids or mealybugs. These pests can be manually removed or treated with specific carnivorous plant-safe insecticides. Choose treatments carefully, as many common pesticides can harm these sensitive plants.
Propagating Sundews
Sundews are relatively easy to propagate. One common method is through leaf cuttings: a healthy leaf can be carefully removed and placed on moist sphagnum moss or in distilled water. With consistent humidity and light, tiny plantlets often emerge within weeks.
Growing Sundews from seed is another viable option, though it can be a slower process. Many species self-pollinate and produce abundant, tiny seeds. These can be sown on a moist, appropriate growing medium under bright light and warm conditions for germination.
For clumping or rosetted Sundew species, division is a straightforward technique. This involves carefully separating established clumps into smaller individual plants, ensuring each division has some roots attached. This method is best performed during repotting to minimize stress.