Drosera, commonly known as Sundews, are one of the largest and most diverse groups of carnivorous plants in the world. Found on every continent except Antarctica, these remarkable plants have evolved specialised leaves covered in glistening glandular tentacles that attract, trap, and digest insects. Their jewel-like appearance and fascinating carnivorous behaviour have made them some of the most popular plants among both beginners and experienced collectors.

The sparkling droplets that cover a Sundew's leaves are not dew, but a sticky mucilage produced by specialised glands. Insects attracted by the glistening appearance become trapped on the leaf surface, where additional tentacles slowly bend towards the prey. Digestive enzymes then break down the captured insect, allowing the plant to absorb valuable nutrients that are often lacking in the nutrient-poor soils where Sundews naturally occur.

Why Grow Sundews?

Sundews are among the easiest carnivorous plants to grow and are available in an extraordinary range of forms. Some species form tiny rosettes only a few millimetres across, while others produce climbing stems, underground tubers, or sprawling tropical growth. Their diversity means there is a suitable species for almost every growing environment.

Many Drosera species grow rapidly, flower readily, and produce large numbers of seeds or offsets, making them highly rewarding plants for beginners. Their ability to catch fungus gnats, fruit flies, and other small insects also makes them popular as functional indoor plants.

Growing Drosera in Australia

Most Sundews thrive in bright conditions and require mineral-free water such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis (RO) water. The growing medium should remain consistently moist, typically consisting of nutrient-poor materials such as peat moss and silica sand.

Light requirements vary between species, but most develop stronger colours and heavier dew production under bright light. Many Australian species flourish outdoors in suitable climates, while tropical species often perform exceptionally well on windowsills, under grow lights, or in terrariums.

Because the genus occupies an enormous geographic range, cultivation requirements differ between groups. Tropical species generally grow year-round, while many temperate species enter winter dormancy. Australian tuberous and pygmy Sundews have their own unique seasonal growth cycles that mirror the conditions of their natural habitats.

An Extraordinary Diversity of Carnivorous Plants

With more than 250 recognised species, Drosera is one of the most species-rich carnivorous plant genera. The group includes:

• Tropical Sundews – year-round growers such as Drosera adelae, D. prolifera, and D. spatulata.

• Cape Sundews – including Drosera capensis, one of the easiest carnivorous plants in cultivation.

• Pygmy Sundews – miniature Australian species that form compact rosettes and reproduce through specialised gemmae.

• Tuberous Sundews – spectacular seasonal species that survive summer drought as underground tubers.

• Temperate Sundews – species adapted to cooler climates and winter dormancy.

• Queensland and Tropical Australian Species – including colourful species such as Drosera paradoxa, D. lanata, and D. derbyensis.

This diversity allows collectors to explore a remarkable range of forms, colours, and growth habits while remaining within a single genus.

Native Australian Sundews

Australia is a global centre of Drosera diversity and supports more Sundew species than any other country. From the pygmy Sundews of Western Australia to the tropical species of Queensland and the Northern Territory, Australian Drosera occupy an extraordinary range of habitats including heathlands, swamps, monsoonal grasslands, and seasonally wet forests.

Many of the most colourful and unusual Sundews available in cultivation originate from Australia, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Perfect for Beginners and Collectors

Sundews are often recommended as the ideal introduction to carnivorous plants. Many species are fast-growing, forgiving, and capable of producing impressive displays of sparkling dew under suitable conditions. At the same time, the enormous diversity within the genus provides endless opportunities for enthusiasts seeking unusual species, rare forms, and specialised cultivation challenges.

Whether grown individually or as part of a larger carnivorous plant collection, Drosera offer a unique combination of beauty, scientific interest, and natural insect control.

Why Choose Nano Nursery?

Nano Nursery specialises in a diverse range of Drosera species, hybrids, and cultivars suitable for both beginners and experienced collectors. Our collection regularly includes tropical, temperate, pygmy, and Australian native Sundews, allowing growers to explore the extraordinary diversity of this remarkable genus.

Browse our collection below to discover one of the world's most successful groups of carnivorous plants. From tiny pygmy Sundews to large tropical species, Drosera provide an unmatched display of glistening carnivorous foliage, colourful flowers, and fascinating insect-trapping behaviour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drosera (Sundews)

What are Drosera?

Drosera, commonly known as Sundews, are carnivorous plants that trap insects using sticky glandular tentacles covered in glistening droplets of mucilage.

Are Sundews suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many species, particularly Drosera capensis, Drosera spatulata and Drosera aliciae, are among the easiest carnivorous plants to grow.

Do Sundews eat fungus gnats?

Yes. Sundews are highly effective at trapping fungus gnats, fruit flies, mosquitoes and other small flying insects.

Can Drosera be grown indoors?

Many tropical and subtropical species grow very well indoors under bright windows or LED grow lights.

What water should I use for Sundews?

Sundews should be watered with rainwater, distilled water or reverse osmosis water. Mineral-rich tap water can damage the roots over time.

How much sunlight do Sundews need?

Most species prefer bright light or several hours of direct sunlight daily. Strong light encourages vibrant colouration and abundant dew production.

Why is my Sundew not producing dew?

Insufficient light, low humidity, poor water quality or recent transplanting can temporarily reduce dew production.

Do Sundews require dormancy?

Some temperate species require a winter dormancy period, while tropical and subtropical species grow actively year-round.

Which Drosera species are best for beginners?

Popular beginner species include Drosera capensis, Drosera spatulata, Drosera aliciae, Drosera dielsiana and Drosera burmannii.

Why are Drosera popular with collectors?

Their sparkling appearance, diverse growth forms, unusual trapping mechanisms and wide range of species make Sundews one of the most fascinating groups of carnivorous plants in cultivation.