Dew plants are intriguing botanical specimens that appear to glisten with morning dew. This unique characteristic stems from specialized adaptations, allowing them to thrive in various environments. These plants offer a fascinating look into natural processes and survival strategies.
What Are “Dew Plants”?
The term “dew plants” refers to two distinct groups of flora that appear covered in shimmering droplets. One group includes carnivorous plants that produce sticky, dew-like secretions to capture prey. The other group exhibits guttation, a process where the plant expels excess water, forming droplets on its leaves. Both mechanisms result in a glistening, dew-covered appearance.
Carnivorous “Dew Plants”: The Sticky Trappers
Carnivorous “dew plants” employ sticky, glandular secretions to lure and trap insects. These plants have evolved to supplement their nutrient intake in poor soils. Their leaves appear adorned with sparkling dew, but these droplets are potent adhesives.
Sundews
Sundews (Drosera) are carnivorous plants found across every continent except Antarctica. Their leaves are covered with numerous stalked glandular tentacles, each tipped with a droplet of sweet, sticky mucilage. This glistening “dew” attracts small insects, which become ensnared upon contact. The tentacles then slowly bend inward, securing the prey and bringing it into contact with digestive enzymes.
Digestion in sundews can take from minutes to weeks. Species like the Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis) are known for dramatic leaf movements, where the entire leaf blade curls around captured insects. This active trapping allows sundews to absorb nutrients from their meals, compensating for nutrient-poor bog habitats.
Portuguese Dewy Pine
The Portuguese Dewy Pine (Drosophyllum lusitanicum) is a carnivorous “dew plant” distinct from sundews. Native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Morocco, it thrives in dry, sandy soils, unlike the boggy conditions favored by most sundews. Its long, narrow leaves are covered in large, stalked glands that continuously secrete a viscous mucilage, giving it a permanently dewy appearance.
Unlike sundews, the leaves of the Portuguese Dewy Pine do not actively move to ensnare prey. Its strong, permanent stickiness traps a wide range of insects. The plant then secretes digestive enzymes directly onto the trapped insects, breaking them down and absorbing nutrients. This species is unique for its ability to maintain sticky secretions and thrive in arid conditions, even absorbing condensed moisture from morning fog.
Cultivating Carnivorous “Dew Plants”
Cultivating carnivorous “dew plants” like sundews and the Portuguese Dewy Pine requires specific conditions mimicking their natural habitats. Understanding their needs for light, water, growing medium, temperature, and humidity is important for successful cultivation. As these plants evolved in nutrient-poor environments, their care differs significantly from typical houseplants.
Light
Carnivorous “dew plants” require bright light to produce ample dew and maintain growth. Most Drosera species thrive in full sun. Indoors, a south-facing window or strong artificial grow lights are necessary. Inadequate light reduces dew production and plant vigor.
The Portuguese Dewy Pine (Drosophyllum lusitanicum) also demands maximum light exposure, performing best in full sun. While it tolerates some partial shade, intense direct sunlight is ideal for its health and dew production. Indoors, it requires exceptionally strong light to flourish.
Water
Water quality and method are important for these sensitive plants. Both Drosera and Drosophyllum are sensitive to minerals in tap water, which can harm their root systems. Only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water should be used.
Many sundews benefit from the “tray method,” where pots sit in a shallow water tray, keeping the soil moist. The Portuguese Dewy Pine prefers watering from above, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It should not sit in standing water due to root rot susceptibility. Prevent the medium from drying out completely.
Growing Medium
The substrate for carnivorous “dew plants” must be nutrient-poor and well-draining. For most sundews, a common mix is peat moss combined with an inert material like perlite or silica sand. Standard potting soil is unsuitable and will harm these specialized plants.
The Portuguese Dewy Pine requires an airy, fast-draining mix due to root rot sensitivity. A suitable substrate includes equal parts peat, perlite, pumice, and sand. Repotting should be done sparingly, as Drosophyllum roots are sensitive to disturbance. Terracotta pots are recommended for Drosophyllum due to their porous nature, which helps prevent waterlogging.
Temperature and Humidity
Carnivorous “dew plants” thrive within moderate temperature ranges, though specific needs vary. Many subtropical sundews perform well in temperatures between 10°C and 35°C (50°F to 95°F) and do not require dormancy. While some sundews appreciate higher humidity, proper air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues.
The Portuguese Dewy Pine is adapted to Mediterranean climates, preferring warm temperatures and lower humidity. It tolerates temperatures between 30°F and 100°F (-1°C to 38°C) and brief heat waves if well-watered. High humidity combined with high heat can increase the risk of rot for Drosophyllum.
Feeding
Outdoors, carnivorous “dew plants” often catch enough insects and do not require supplemental feeding. If grown indoors where insect prey is scarce, occasional feeding can be beneficial. Small insects like gnats, fruit flies, or rehydrated bloodworms can be offered.
Provide insects small enough for the plant to digest. Overfeeding or feeding pieces too large can lead to rot or fungal growth. Fertilizers should be avoided, as these plants are adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can be harmed by conventional plant foods.
Plants Exhibiting Guttation: Nature’s Morning Pearls
Beyond carnivorous “dew plants,” guttation creates dew-like droplets on plant leaves. This process is distinct from atmospheric dew and the sticky secretions of carnivorous plants. Guttation involves the active exudation of xylem sap (water and dissolved minerals from the roots) through specialized pores called hydathodes.
Guttation commonly occurs when soil is moist and air humidity is high. The plant’s roots absorb water, creating root pressure that forces excess water out through the hydathodes. The fluid released is not pure water but contains compounds that can sometimes leave a white crust as it dries. Many common plants, from grasses to houseplants, exhibit guttation.