How to Grow Daviesii
iNaturalist
Daviesii
Drosophyllum lusitanicum
flowerDaviesii, commonly known as the Portuguese sundew or dewy pine, is a carnivorous plant native to southwestern Spain and Portugal. It features long, narrow leaves covered in sticky tentacles that trap small insects for nutrition. This fascinating plant produces delicate yellow flowers and thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic soils where it supplements nutrition through insect capture.
When should you plant Daviesii in your zone?
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Example Daviesii timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Daviesii
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 Daviesii blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Daviesii dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; frost-sensitive and best grown indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Daviesii timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination
2-4 weeksTiny seeds begin sprouting and develop first leaves; requires light, moisture, and cool temperatures (60-70°F)
Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain high humidity under plastic dome or in terrarium; germination takes 2-4 weeks
Seedling
6-12 weeksSmall rosettes with 3-6 narrow leaves covered in early sticky tentacles; plant grows slowly
Maintain consistent moisture with distilled water, provide 12-14 hours of bright light daily, ensure excellent drainage, gradually increase air circulation
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant develops larger rosette with numerous long, thin leaves (3-6 inches) densely covered with red tentacles; may reach 12-18 inches in height
Continue bright light and moisture; allow dormancy period in winter (cooler temperatures, reduced watering); trap insects naturally or supplement with small flying insects if desired
Flowering
4-8 weeksDelicate yellow or pale pink flower spikes emerge from the plant center; flowers are small but prolific
Continue regular care; flowering indicates plant maturity; provide slight temperature drop (55-65°F) and light reduction can encourage flowering; self-fertile with insects for pollination
Seed Production & Maturation
4-12 weeksFlowers fade and small seed pods develop; plant naturally enters dormancy
Allow seeds to mature and dry on plant; collect seeds when pods turn brown; reduce water slightly but maintain moisture; plant will decline in vigor and may die after seed production (monocarpic tendency in some populations)
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist with distilled water, improve air circulation; use neem oil only if necessary and rinse thoroughly with distilled water
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Ensure excellent drainage, reduce watering frequency if water sits on leaves, improve air circulation; use only distilled/rainwater; remove affected leaves
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These are actually beneficial as they provide nutrition to the plant; gentle water spray removes them if excessive
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in distilled water; quarantine plant; ensure good air circulation
Uses
Natural Insect Control
WildlifeDaviesii naturally attracts and captures small flying insects (flies, gnats, small mosquitoes) through its sticky tentacles, providing both nutrition and serving as a natural pest control in greenhouses or indoor spaces. [source]
Decorative Carnivorous Houseplant
HouseholdThe unique appearance with sticky red tentacles and delicate yellow flowers makes Daviesii an attractive specimen plant for plant collectors and enthusiasts. It serves as an educational and fascinating addition to indoor gardens and terrariums. [source]
Terrarium & Vivarium Specimen
CraftDaviesii thrives in controlled terrarium and vivarium environments where humidity and moisture can be carefully regulated, making it ideal for specialized gardening projects and display cases. [source]
Historical Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Portuguese and Spanish folk medicine, Drosophyllum has been used in herbal preparations, though modern scientific validation is limited and use should be approached with caution. [source]
Beverage Infusion (Historical)
CulinaryHistorically, some Mediterranean cultures prepared herbal teas or infusions from sundew plants for digestive purposes, though Daviesii is rarely used this way in modern practice. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Daviesii is not harvested in the traditional sense. Collect mature seeds in late summer/fall when seed pods brown and dry; store seeds in cool, dry conditions. The plant naturally traps small insects (flies, gnats, small beetles) which serve as its nutrition source.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Daviesii is the only member of the Drosophyllum genus and is the only carnivorous plant that prefers drier conditions compared to other carnivorous species, making it unique among insect-eating plants.
- 🌱 The plant's sticky tentacles can trap and digest insects multiple times without losing effectiveness, as the plant continuously produces fresh mucilaginous secretions.
- 🌱 Daviesii is native to only a small region of southwestern Spain and Portugal (the Iberian Peninsula), making it one of Europe's rarest carnivorous plants in its natural habitat.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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