How to Grow Great Sundew
iNaturalist
Great Sundew
Drosera anglica
flowerDrosera anglica is a carnivorous plant native to boggy wetlands across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It captures insects using sticky, glandular tentacles on its narrow leaves, supplementing its nutrient intake from poor soil. This delicate plant produces small white to pink flowers in summer.
When should you plant Great Sundew in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Great Sundew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Great Sundew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Great Sundew blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Great Sundew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, prefers cool climates with high moisture
Sign up free to see if Great Sundew grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Great Sundew timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksTiny rosettes emerge with characteristic narrow, linear leaves covered in sticky tentacles
Keep extremely moist under bright light; use only distilled water; maintain high humidity in propagation chamber
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsPlant develops larger rosette with 10-15 elongated leaves forming dense mats; tentacles become more prominent
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; avoid fertilizers; distilled water only; provide bright light
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form on elongated stalks rising above the rosette; plant may slow leaf production
Continue regular watering; ensure adequate light; do not fertilize
Flowering
3-4 weeksDelicate white to pale pink flowers bloom along the inflorescence; flowers are small but numerous
Pollinate flowers by hand if growing indoors; maintain moisture and light; allow flowers to mature
Seed Development & Dormancy
1-3 monthsFlowers fade and seed pods develop; plant enters dormancy period requiring cool temperatures
Collect ripe seed pods before they open; allow dormancy period in cool (40-50°F) conditions for 2-3 months; reduce light slightly
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; mist regularly; isolate affected plants; use miticide if severe
-
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; avoid leaf wetting; remove infected tissue; use fungicide in severe cases
-
Ensure adequate air circulation; reduce humidity if excessive; remove surface mold; repot if necessary
Uses
Natural Insect Control
WildlifeDrosera anglica actively captures and digests small insects such as gnats, flies, and mosquitoes, providing natural pest control for indoor and outdoor gardens. This carnivorous mechanism supplements the plant's nutrient intake in nutrient-poor wetland soils. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalDrosera species have been used in traditional European herbalism to treat respiratory conditions, particularly cough and bronchitis. Some herbalists prepare tinctures or extracts, though scientific evidence is limited and it should not replace professional medical care. [source]
Botanical Specimen & Education
HouseholdDrosera anglica serves as a fascinating living display of carnivorous plant adaptation and is valued by botanists and plant enthusiasts for educational purposes and terrarium cultivation. Its unique leaf structure and feeding mechanism make it an excellent teaching tool. [source]
Terrarium & Vivarium Specimen
CraftThe delicate appearance and compact growth habit of Drosera anglica make it ideal for bog gardens, closed terrariums, and specialized plant collections. It can be featured in humid display cases that mimic its natural wetland habitat. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Drosera anglica is primarily grown as an ornamental rather than harvested. Collect seeds in late summer after flowering; allow seed pods to dry completely before opening. Seeds can be stored in cool, dry conditions for several months. The plant itself can be divided at the base during dormancy period in late winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Drosera anglica can trap and digest insects that weigh several times more than the plant itself; each glandular tentacle acts independently to curl around prey
- 🌱 The plant produces a sweet-smelling mucus on its tentacles that attracts insects; when insects touch the sticky substance, it triggers the tentacles to slowly curl inward, a process that can take 15-30 minutes
- 🌱 In its natural habitat, Drosera anglica has been observed to dramatically reduce mosquito populations in northern bogs, and it has historically been valued by wetland-dwelling communities for this natural pest control benefit
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Great Sundew planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Great Sundew seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Great Sundew timeline →