How to Grow Round-leaved Sundew
iNaturalist
Round-leaved Sundew
Drosera rotundifolia
herbA small carnivorous plant native to boggy habitats across the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by round leaves covered in glistening, sticky tentacles that trap and digest insects. It typically grows 1-3 inches tall and forms compact rosettes that slowly grow and expand. This fascinating plant thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor wetland environments and is protected by law in some regions.
When should you plant Round-leaved Sundew in your zone?
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Example Round-leaved Sundew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Round-leaved 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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Harvest Round-leaved Sundew
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Round-leaved Sundew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in cooler northern regions (zones 2-5)
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Get my Round-leaved Sundew timeline →Growth Stages
Seed & Germination
3-6 weeksTiny seeds (dust-like) sown on moist sphagnum substrate. Germination is slow and requires high humidity, consistent moisture, and bright light. First tiny leaves appear within 3-6 weeks.
Keep at 65-75°F; provide 12+ hours bright light; maintain 100% humidity; do not disturb. Use propagation trays or plastic covers to maintain moisture.
Seedling
4-8 weeksTiny rosettes with 3-5 small round leaves emerging. Tentacles begin developing and become sticky with digestive mucilage. Plant is still very delicate and miniature.
Maintain high humidity and constant moisture; bright light essential; protect from direct strong sun; no fertilizer; allow to develop naturally without disturbance.
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeksRosette expands, developing 6-15 leaves forming a compact circular or spiral arrangement. Leaves become fuller and glistening mucilage is prolific. Plant reaches 1-2 inches diameter.
Continue high humidity and constant moisture; bright light daily; distilled water only; allow to trap insects naturally for nutrition; avoid handling tentacles; no fertilizer ever.
Flowering
3-6 weeksThin, delicate flower stalk emerges from center of rosette, 3-6 inches tall. Small pink or white flowers bloom in late spring to summer. Multiple flowers may open sequentially along the spike.
Continue normal care; plant is fragile during flowering; flowers self-pollinate; allow seeds to develop if desired; plants continue vegetative growth while flowering.
Seed Production & Dormancy
4-8 weeks (seed production); 3-5 months (dormancy period)Seed capsules develop and dry. In temperate zones, plant may enter winter dormancy with leaves dying back to underground roots. Mature plants form hibernacula (dormant buds) in fall.
Allow seeds to mature and dry naturally; do not harvest prematurely. In fall, move plants to cool location (40-50°F) for winter dormancy if in temperate zone; maintain slight moisture during dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; reduce excess moisture; yellow sticky traps; ensure substrate remains aerobic; remove dead plant material promptly
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and
(Pythium, Botrytis species)
Ensure good air movement; avoid stagnant water; remove affected leaves; use distilled water; maintain humidity but not wetness on leaves; provide adequate light
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Increase humidity; spray with distilled water; ensure adequate light and ventilation; isolate affected plants; very rare if humidity is high enough
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Allow carnivorous plant to trap naturally; maintain good sanitation; remove dead insects promptly; ensure adequate humidity
Uses
Traditional cough and respiratory remedy
MedicinalDrosera has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat coughs, whooping cough, and bronchial conditions. The plant contains plumbagin and other compounds with antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. [source]
Natural insect control and pollinator support
WildlifeThe plant's carnivorous nature makes it an excellent biological control for insects in controlled environments. It also provides nectar for pollinators during flowering without harming beneficial species. [source]
Educational and scientific interest
HouseholdDrosera rotundifolia is a popular plant for teaching carnivorous plant biology, ecology of wetland ecosystems, and plant adaptation. It demonstrates remarkable predatory behavior in plants. [source]
Botanical specimen and collector interest
CraftThis rare and unusual plant is highly valued by collectors and terrarium hobbyists. It creates striking living displays that showcase nature's diversity and is ideal for bog gardens and specialized vivariums. [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 plant is not harvested for consumption. Mature plants can be divided by separating hibernacula in spring or propagated from seed collected in late summer after capsules dry completely. Seeds can be stored dry for several years. Harvest seed capsules by cutting the flower stalk once completely brown and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Drosera rotundifolia is one of the most widespread carnivorous plants, found across the Northern Hemisphere in bogs, marshes, and acidic wetlands on multiple continents. It has evolved independently in similar habitats worldwide.
- 🌱 The sticky tentacles (called tentromata) on each leaf contain digestive enzymes that can dissolve an insect's proteins within 24-48 hours, after which the plant absorbs the nutrients—an adaptation to survive in nitrogen-poor peat bogs.
- 🌱 In some regions, this plant is protected by law and collecting wild specimens is illegal due to habitat loss from wetland destruction, making captive cultivation increasingly important for conservation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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