How to Grow Oblong-leaved Sundew
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Oblong-leaved Sundew
Drosera intermedia
flowerOblong-leaved Sundew is a carnivorous plant native to boggy wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia. It features distinctive reddish, glandular leaves arranged in a rosette that trap and digest insects for nutrients. This small, delicate plant produces thin flower stems with tiny white to pale pink flowers.
When should you plant Oblong-leaved Sundew in your zone?
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Example Oblong-leaved Sundew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Oblong-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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First Oblong-leaved Sundew blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Oblong-leaved Sundew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in cool to temperate zones 3-8; prefers northern climates with cool summers
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Get my Oblong-leaved Sundew timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksTiny rosettes with 2-4 reddish, glandular leaves barely visible
Maintain high humidity and constant moisture; provide bright indirect light; use distilled water only
Vegetative Growth
Several months to over a yearRosette expands with 6-12 oblong red leaves covered in sticky tentacle-like glands
Keep soil consistently wet; ensure high humidity; do not fertilize; allow dormancy in winter if in cool climates
Flowering
4-6 weeksThin reddish flower stalk emerges from center, 4-8 inches tall, with small white to pale pink flowers opening sequentially
Maintain moisture and humidity; do not disturb flowers; allow pollination by small insects if possible
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and produce small seed capsules containing thousands of tiny black or brown seeds
Allow capsules to dry on plant; collect seeds for propagation or allow self-seeding
Dormancy
2-4 monthsIn cool climates, rosette dies back to a compact hibernaculum (dormant bud) in winter
Reduce watering slightly but keep soil moist; provide cool period (40-50°F) over winter for hardiness
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; use sticky traps; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings if possible
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and
Ensure excellent air circulation; reduce humidity if mold appears; remove affected leaves; allow partial drying of foliage
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Increase humidity; mist foliage with distilled water; improve air circulation; in severe cases use sulfur dust (not oil-based products)
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Manually remove with soft brush; improve air circulation; avoid overwatering
Uses
Insect Trap & Natural Pest Control
WildlifeThe sticky glandular tentacles trap and digest small flying insects (gnats, midges, mosquitoes), supplementing the plant's nutrient intake in poor soils. A single plant can capture dozens of insects daily in active growing season. [source]
Specialized Cultivation & Hobbyist Collection
CraftOblong-leaved Sundew is highly prized by carnivorous plant collectors and bog garden enthusiasts for its delicate beauty and challenging cultivation requirements. Growing it successfully requires specialized knowledge of wetland ecology. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional European and Asian herbalism as a remedy for coughs, respiratory congestion, and digestive issues, though modern scientific evidence is limited. The plant contains compounds that may have antitussive properties. [source]
Terrarium & Vivarium Specimen
HouseholdIdeal for paludarium vivariums, bog terrariums, and specialized carnivorous plant display cases that maintain high humidity and provide distilled water systems. Creates a living display of natural predation. [source]
Bog Habitat Restoration
WildlifeNative to endangered peatland and wetland ecosystems, cultivating Oblong-leaved Sundew supports biodiversity conservation efforts and habitat restoration in appropriate regions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Do not harvest leaves; this is a display/cultivation plant. Collect mature seed capsules in late summer/fall by allowing them to fully dry on the plant, then gently shake seeds into paper envelope. Seeds are extremely tiny and numerous. Store dry seeds in refrigerator in sealed container for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Oblong-leaved Sundew produces incredibly sticky mucilage on its tentacle-like glands that can trap insects much larger than the plant itself; the insects' struggles trigger the plant to slowly roll its leaves inward to maximize digestive enzyme contact.
- 🌱 This species is one of the most cold-hardy sundews and can survive temperatures well below freezing by entering winter dormancy, making it suitable for cultivation in northern climates where other carnivorous plants fail.
- 🌱 The name 'sundew' comes from the dewlike appearance of the glandular secretions, which sparkle in sunlight and historically led people to believe the plants were covered in morning dew even in dry conditions.
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