winter growing Sundews care instructions

About Winter-Growing Sundews (Drosera)
These unique sundews are winter-growing carnivorous plants that thrive during the cooler months and enter dormancy in summer. They reward growers with sparkling, dew-covered leaves and active growth when most other plants are resting. 🌿✨

Lighting
Provide as much light as possible during the active (winter) growing season.

• A bright sunny window is ideal
• If natural light is insufficient, supplement with full spectrum lighting
• Under artificial lights, use a 7–8 hour photoperiod during winter

Strong lighting helps maintain compact growth and vibrant coloration.

Watering
Watering needs change significantly with the seasons:

Active Growth (Winter):

• Keep plants sitting in a shallow tray of water
• Maintain consistently moist conditions

Transition to Dormancy (Late Spring):

• As temperatures rise, allow the plant to naturally brown and enter dormancy
• Gradually reduce watering over several weeks

Dormancy (Summer):

• Keep plants in a cool, dry location
• Lightly sprinkle water every couple of weeks to prevent complete desiccation

Always use distilled, rain, or purified water only.

Temperature
Winter-growing sundews prefer cool to mild conditions:

• Avoid extreme heat (above 90°F) during the growing season, as this may trigger early dormancy
• Some species tolerate light frost for short periods, but always protect from freezing

Dormancy
Dormancy is a natural and essential part of their life cycle.

• Typically begins around April-May and lasts until September
• Plants will die back to resting rootstock/tubers during this time
• Reduce watering and keep conditions cool and dry until growth resumes in fall