Drosera, commonly known as sundews, are one of the most diverse groups of carnivorous plants. While many growers try to treat them all the same, this often leads to poor results. The key to success is understanding that Drosera fall into distinct growing groups—each with its own environmental needs.
This guide simplifies Drosera care into practical categories based on ICPS growing profiles, helping you match each plant to the correct conditions.
Why Grouping Drosera Matters
Not all sundews grow the same way. Some thrive in warm, humid environments, others require cool seasonal cycles, and some need extreme heat to survive.
Trying to grow all Drosera under one setup (e.g., a humid terrarium) is one of the most common mistakes. Instead, identifying the correct group allows you to replicate natural conditions and achieve strong, healthy growth.
The Main Drosera Growing Groups
Subtropical Rosetted Drosera (ST)
This is the most beginner-friendly group and includes popular species like Drosera capensis, D. spatulata, and D. aliciae.
- Bright light (sunlight or strong grow lights)
- Temperatures: 10–35°C
- Constant moisture (wet to moist soil)
- Moderate to high humidity
- No dormancy required
These are ideal for indoor growing, terrariums, or greenhouses.
Queensland “Three Sisters” Group (QS)
Includes Drosera adelae, D. prolifera, and D. schizandra, plus their hybrids.
- High humidity
- Long-fiber sphagnum moss
- Lower, filtered light
- Cool to warm indoor temperatures
- Avoid heat and harsh light
Pygmy Drosera (PY)
Small but highly rewarding plants such as D. pulchella and D. pygmaea.
- Bright, airy conditions (often better outdoors than in terrariums)
- Wet winters, drier summers
- Seasonal gemmae (propagation structures)
Petiolaris Complex (PET)
Includes tropical species like D. paradoxa, D. lanata, and D. fulva.
- Very warm to hot (25–32°C ideal)
- High humidity
- Bright light
- No exposure to cold
Cold-Temperate Drosera (CT)
Includes species like Drosera rotundifolia and D. intermedia.
- Outdoor growing preferred
- Full sun
- Winter dormancy (hibernacula formation)
- Cold winter required
Tuberous Drosera (TUB)
- Cool, bright growing season
- Dry dormancy in summer
- Avoid temperatures above ~25°C
- Not suitable for terrariums
South African Winter-Growing Drosera (SA-WG)
Includes species like D. trinervia and D. zeyheri.
- Cool, wet winters (active growth)
- Drier summers (dormancy)
- Bright light
Special Cases
Drosera regia (REG)
- Large, deep pots required
- Bright light with cool nights
- More tolerant of feeding than most Drosera
Drosera filiformis Group (FIL)
- Strong outdoor light
- Winter dormancy
- Tall pots recommended
Drosera indica Complex (IND)
- Very warm, bright conditions
- Often grown as annuals
- Best propagated from seed
Choosing the Right Setup
- Terrarium setup: Subtropical (ST) and Queensland (QS)
- Outdoor setup: Cold-temperate (CT) and Pygmy (PY)
- Warm indoor setup: Petiolaris (PET)
- Seasonal specialist setup: Tuberous (TUB) and South African (SA-WG)
Mixing incompatible types in one environment often leads to decline or loss.
Key Growing Principles
- Use nutrient-poor media (peat, sand, or sphagnum)
- Water with distilled, rain, or RO water only
- Avoid fertilising soil (with rare exceptions like D. regia)
- Provide strong light—most Drosera struggle in low light
- Understand the plant’s natural climate cycle
Final Thoughts
Drosera are not difficult once their natural habitats are understood. By matching each species to the correct growing group, you can dramatically improve survival, growth speed, and overall plant health.
If you’re unsure about a specific species, always identify its group first—this is the single most important step to success.
