How to Grow Hardy Sundews (Drosera)

No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.
Practical advice based on decades of growing and propagating carnivorous plants.

The United States is home to several species of cold hardy sundews: Drosera anglica, D. brevifolia, D. filiformis, D. intermedia, D. linearis, D. capillaris, D. rotundifolia, and D. tracyi. While there are certain idiosyncrasies that characterize some of the varieties, general care is the same for each of them. Use the following as a guideline to growing cold hardy sundews.

Drosera intermedia

Drosera filiformis

Drosera filiformis x intermedia

Hardy Sundew Care at a Glance

Growing Requirement	Our Recommendation
Light	Grow outdoors in partial to full sun. Provide at least 4 hours of direct sunlight for vigorous growth.
Temperature	Most species tolerate normal summer heat well. Some northern species, especially D. rotundifolia, prefer milder summer temperatures.
Water	Use mineral-free or low-mineral water, ideally 50 ppm or less. Keep the soil wet during active growth.
Soil	Use 1 part peat moss to 1 part perlite. Never use conventional potting soil, compost, or fertilizer.
Winter Dormancy	Hardy sundews are outdoor perennials. Most form a resting bud, or hibernaculum, and remain dormant through winter.

Grower's Key Point

Hardy sundews are outdoor bog perennials. Strong sunlight, consistently wet mineral-free soil, and a natural winter dormancy are the foundations of successful long-term growth.

Want a printable quick reference?
Download our one-page Hardy Sundew Care Guide (PDF)

Where Do Hardy Sundews Grow Naturally?

Hardy sundews occur throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, their range extends from chilly wetlands in Alaska to the warm southeastern bogs of Florida. This broad range explains why individual species can differ in their tolerance of summer heat and winter frost, even though their basic cultivation requirements are similar.

Species such as Drosera filiformis, D. intermedia, and D. tracyi commonly experience hot summers, while northern species such as D. rotundifolia and D. anglica generally perform best under milder conditions.

Should I Grow Hardy Sundews Indoors or Outdoors?

Grow hardy sundews outdoors as container or potted plants on a sunny deck, patio, bench, or other open location. They may also be grown at the edge of a pond or fountain, but keep the crown of the plant above the water.

Because carnivorous plants have very specific soil requirements, we generally recommend growing hardy sundews in containers rather than planting them directly into ordinary garden soil.

How Much Light Do Hardy Sundews Need?

During the growing season, provide partial to full sun. Hardy sundews should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day for vigorous growth, strong coloration, and good dew production.

Larger species such as Drosera filiformis are particularly well suited to bright, open conditions. In fact, D. filiformis and Venus flytraps have very similar growing requirements and can be grown together in the same pot.

Grower's Tip

If a sundew loses its characteristic sticky dew during active growth, inadequate light is one of the first things to check.

What Temperatures Do Hardy Sundews Need?

Most hardy sundews tolerate normal summer heat very well. Species such as Drosera filiformis, D. intermedia, and D. tracyi naturally grow in regions where summer temperatures can rise above 90°F (32°C).

Other species have cooler native ranges. Drosera rotundifolia, for example, generally prefers milder summer conditions. If you are growing a northern species in a very hot climate, protect the pot from excessive afternoon heat while still providing strong light.

How Do I Water Hardy Sundews?

Hardy sundews require mineral-free or low-mineral water. If your tap water contains less than approximately 50 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved minerals, you can generally use it safely. Otherwise, use distilled water, reverse-osmosis water, or another suitable low-mineral source.

Keep the soil wet during active growth. The easiest method is to set the pot in a shallow tray of standing water, with the water level no higher than approximately halfway up the pot. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.

What Soil Do Hardy Sundews Need?

Use a mixture of 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite. Do not use conventional potting soil, compost, fertilizer, or soil amendments containing added nutrients. The mineral and nutrient content of these products can damage or kill carnivorous plants.

Don't want to mix your own?
Our blend is ideal for Sarracenia, Venus flytraps, and hardy sundews.

How Do I Care for Hardy Sundews in Winter?

Hardy sundews are perennial plants and should be allowed to experience their normal winter dormancy. As the days shorten in late summer and fall, growth slows, and the leaves gradually turn brown or black. Most species eventually form a compact resting bud, called a hibernaculum, at the soil surface.

This seasonal dieback is normal and does not mean the plant is dying. New growth emerges from the resting bud in spring.

During dormancy, keep hardy sundews outdoors whenever your climate permits. Established plants tolerate frost and freezing temperatures, and the soil may freeze during cold weather. Keep the soil moist throughout winter, but it does not need to remain as wet as during the growing season.

Container-grown plants may require protection during prolonged or severe freezes. The primary concern is not simply freezing, but dehydration from cold, drying winds and repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. The amount of protection needed will depend on your winter climate.

Not sure what your dormant plant should look like?
See Q/A #53: Is My Dormant Sundew Alive?

Troubleshooting Common Hardy Sundew Problems

My Sundew Has Mold During Dormancy

Dead foliage around the winter resting bud can sometimes encourage fungal growth, especially in mild or humid winter conditions.

→ Q/A #7: Mold on a Drosera filiformis in South Florida

I'm Not Sure Whether My Dormant Sundew Is Alive

A healthy hibernaculum should remain firm. Depending on the species, dead summer foliage or fibrous material may partially cover the resting bud and make the plant look worse than it actually is.

→ Q/A #53: Is My Dormant Sundew Alive?

Will Freeze-and-Thaw Cycles Hurt My Hardy Sundews?

Hardy sundews naturally experience changing winter temperatures. Brief freezes followed by above-freezing daytime temperatures are generally less concerning than prolonged periods when the entire pot remains frozen.

→ Q/A #3: Can Hardy Sundews Handle Freeze and Thaw?

Our Growing Experience

Every recommendation in this guide reflects the methods we've found to be most reliable through decades of growing and propagating carnivorous plants commercially. While every growing environment is unique, these techniques have consistently produced healthy plants in our nursery and helped thousands of customers grow with confidence. We regularly review and update our guides as we continue to refine our growing practices and receive feedback from our customers.

Want to learn more about Hardy Sundews?

• For seasonal growing reminders, visit our Monthly Care Guide.
• If you are new to carnivorous plants or want a more detailed explanation of how sunlight, water, soil, temperature, and humidity affect plant growth, see The Ultimate Carnivorous Plant Guide for Beginners.
• Still have a specific growing problem after reviewing this guide and the troubleshooting links above? Ask the Growers.