Drosera natalensis

Sundews can be found worldwide, on all continents. They stand out with their shiny droplets, which are used to “glue” their prey to them. We sell many different varieties, some more difficult than others, including three native sundews (Drosera anglica, Drosera intermedia and Drosera rotundofolia).  Some are hardy, including the native sundews, others need protection from the frost, and do well on sunny windowsills, heated greenhouse or conservatory.

The Sundews produce a sticky substance (known as dew). This (as well as their colour) attracts the insects, who are then trapped in the dew droplets (they are “glued” to the leaf). The trapped insect trying to free itself, stimulates the tentacles to close around it (in most cases). The plant then produces an enzyme to digest the insect.

How to care for your plant:

• We sell a large variety of different sundews with different care requirements. We are currently in the process of updating the care leaflets, so in the meantime please make sure you research your particular plant on the web.
• Rainwater only, sit in water (on a saucer)
• The native plants will have a dormancy period, when they will go underground. Drosera binata and Drosera filiformis will form a winter bud. Some tuberous sundews will be dormant in summer, most non hardy sundews will be dormant in winter.
• During the dormancy period, the main risk to the plant is rotting caused by fungal diseases. It is therefore important to reduce the watering, just keeping the plant damp, but not to let the plant dry out completely.
• Feeding: If you are worried, and your plant is indoors, stick it outside on a sunny day and watch it go to work.