How to Grow Brazilian Sundew
Brazilian Sundew
Drosera intermedia
flowerBrazilian Sundew is a carnivorous plant featuring delicate red tentacles tipped with sticky droplets that trap and digest small insects. It produces small white or pink flowers on thin stems and is valued as an exotic houseplant for terrariums and bog gardens. Despite its name, it's found across multiple continents and thrives in humid, acidic conditions.
When should you plant Brazilian Sundew in your zone?
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Example Brazilian Sundew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Brazilian Sundew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Brazilian Sundew blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brazilian Sundew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; elsewhere grown indoors year-round
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Get my Brazilian Sundew timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-6 weeksTiny rosette of red tentacled leaves emerges; plant is very small and delicate
Keep under bright light on humid seed tray; mist daily; use distilled water only; avoid direct sunlight which may scorch
Young Rosette
2-4 monthsSmall circular rosette (0.5-1 inch diameter) with characteristic sticky red tentacles becoming more prominent
Maintain high humidity (70-80%); ensure constant moisture without waterlogging; keep in bright light; no feeding required as plant traps own insects
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsRosette expands to 1-2 inches across; numerous red tentacles fully developed and actively trapping insects
Continue moisture and humidity control; allow natural insects to be trapped or feed tiny prey (fruit flies, gnats) if in controlled environment; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Flowering
2-3 weeksThin flower stems (3-6 inches) emerge from rosette center bearing small white or pale pink flowers
Maintain normal watering and humidity; flowers are delicate and self-pollinating; allow flowers to set seed if desired; blooming period is relatively brief
Mature/Producing
Ongoing (1-3+ years lifespan)Established rosette with multiple flower stems possible; plant actively traps insects year-round
Maintain consistent care routine; allow dormancy period in winter (if applicable); can divide mature plants or allow self-seeding; inspect for pests hidden in humid environment
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly if severe; use sand layer on top of soil; sticky traps for adults; avoid overwatering
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Increase humidity and misting; improve air circulation; isolate infected plants; rinse leaves gently with distilled water; in severe cases use neem oil on non-carnivorous foliage only
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Improve air circulation with small fan; reduce humidity if excessive; remove affected leaves; ensure pot has drainage; use distilled water only
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Remove by hand with soft brush and distilled water; isolate plant; inspect regularly; improve ventilation
Uses
Natural insect control
HouseholdBrazilian Sundew actively traps and digests small flying insects including fungus gnats, fruit flies, and mosquitoes, making it useful for controlling indoor pests naturally without chemicals. [source]
Exotic terrarium accent
CraftPrized by terrarium enthusiasts and collectors for its striking appearance in closed or open humid displays, creating dramatic bog garden and vivarium setups. [source]
Botanical fascination and education
WildlifeServes as an engaging educational plant demonstrating adaptation, natural predation, and botanical diversity to students and nature enthusiasts. [source]
Traditional ethnobotanical uses
MedicinalSome Drosera species have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory ailments, though Brazilian Sundew is primarily valued as an ornamental rather than medicinal plant. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested in traditional sense. Allow plant to naturally trap insects for feeding. If collecting seeds, let flowers self-pollinate and develop seed pods, then collect dried pods and extract tiny seeds. Propagate by division of mature rosettes or from seed. Divide plants in spring by carefully separating rosettes and repotting in appropriate medium.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Brazilian Sundew's sticky 'dew' is actually a digestive enzyme secretion that both attracts and breaks down insects; a single plant can trap dozens of insects weekly in natural conditions.
- 🌱 The plant's bright red tentacles are not a pigment but reflect light differently; color intensity increases with brighter light conditions and is linked to anthocyanin production.
- 🌱 Despite its common name, Drosera intermedia is found on multiple continents including North America, Europe, and South America, making it truly cosmopolitan among carnivorous plants.
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