How to Grow Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red'
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Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red'
Drosera binata 'Extreme Red'
flowerDrosera binata 'Extreme Red' is a stunning carnivorous plant featuring deeply forked, thread-like leaves that display vibrant red coloration, particularly under bright light. The plant captures insects using sticky tentacles called tentacles that cover its foliage. It produces delicate white to pink flowers on tall stalks during the growing season.
When should you plant Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red' 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 Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red'
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 Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; requires controlled indoor conditions in cooler climates
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Get my Forked Sundew 'Extreme Red' timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Early Growth
2-4 monthsPlant may enter dormancy in winter, appearing dormant with minimal leaf production
Reduce watering slightly during dormancy; maintain cool temperatures (40-55°F); continue to keep soil moist
Active Growth
4-6 monthsNew forked leaves emerge with increasing vigor; red coloration intensifies with bright light exposure
Increase light exposure; ensure constant moisture; maintain humidity; avoid touching leaves as this damages tentacles
Flowering
4-8 weeksTall flower stalks (up to 12 inches) emerge from the plant center, bearing white to pale pink flowers
Support flower stalks if needed; continue regular watering; flowers are self-fertile but benefit from light air movement for pollination
Seed Production
3-4 weeksAfter pollination, seed pods develop and gradually mature with tiny black seeds
Allow pods to fully mature and dry on plant; collect seeds when pods split open
Establishment/Growth
OngoingPlant develops multiple leaf rosettes and establishes a robust root system
Patience required; growth is slow; avoid repotting frequently; never use tap water
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist regularly; isolate affected plants; use carnivorous-safe miticides if necessary
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The plant naturally traps many insects; improve air circulation; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings if possible
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; isolate plant; use neem oil sparingly on non-trapping leaves only
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Remove manually; treat with horticultural oil on non-trapping leaves; isolate infested plant
Uses
Natural Insect Control
HouseholdThe sticky tentacles (glandular trichomes) passively trap and digest small flying insects like gnats, fungus flies, and mosquitoes, making it an excellent natural pest control plant for indoor spaces. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe white to pink flowers attract small insects and pollinators, supporting beneficial insect populations in terrariums and plant collections. [source]
Terrarium & Display Specimen
CraftIts striking red foliage and unique growth form make it a prized specimen for tropical terrariums, vivaria, and specialized carnivorous plant collections. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSundews have been traditionally used in herbal medicine preparations for respiratory support, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Decorative Houseplant
HouseholdThe intense red coloration under bright light and delicate flower spikes make this a visually striking houseplant for bright windowsills and grow shelves. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental carnivorous plant, not harvested for consumption. Collect seeds after pods fully mature and dry; allow 2-3 months after flowering for viable seed production. Seeds can be sown immediately on moist sphagnum moss.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Drosera binata 'Extreme Red' is named for its ability to display brilliant crimson foliage when grown under intense light conditions; the red pigments (anthocyanins) develop as a natural UV protection mechanism.
- 🌱 This carnivorous plant can digest insects using proteolytic enzymes secreted by the glandular tentacles; a single leaf can trap and digest multiple insects over its lifetime.
- 🌱 The 'Extreme Red' cultivar is derived from the species Drosera binata, native to Australia and New Zealand, and represents intensive selective breeding for enhanced color and growth vigor.
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