How to Grow Round-leafed Sundew
iNaturalist
Round-leafed Sundew
Drosera rotundifolia
flowerRound-leafed Sundew is a carnivorous plant native to boggy and wetland environments across the Northern Hemisphere. It features distinctive round leaves covered in sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest small insects. This fascinating plant produces delicate pink or white flowers on thin stalks and grows best in acidic, nutrient-poor conditions.
When should you plant Round-leafed 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 Round-leafed Sundew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Round-leafed Sundew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Round-leafed Sundew blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Round-leafed Sundew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, preferring cool climates with consistent moisture
Sign up free to see if Round-leafed Sundew grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Round-leafed Sundew timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination
2-4 weeksTiny seeds germinate on moist peat surface; first leaves appear as minute rosettes; seedlings are very delicate
Keep soil surface moist; provide bright, indirect light; maintain temperature 50-70°F; do not cover seeds; use only distilled water
Rosette Development
4-8 weeksYoung plant forms characteristic round leaf rosette; leaves develop the sticky glandular tentacles (trichomes) that trap insects; rosette gradually expands
Maintain consistently moist conditions; ensure high humidity; provide bright indirect light; do not fertilize; allow plant to catch insects naturally
Mature Vegetative Growth
Variable; 2-6 monthsFully formed rosette with numerous round, sticky leaves; plant appears robust with well-developed tentacles gleaming with adhesive mucilage
Continue moisture and humidity maintenance; allow natural insect trapping; consider dormancy period in winter (cold temperatures trigger dormancy)
Flowering
4-8 weeksThin, delicate flower stalks emerge from center of rosette; small pink, white, or occasionally red flowers bloom in clusters at the tip
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; do not disturb flowering stalks; provide adequate light to support blooming; flowering indicates plant maturity
Seed Production & Dormancy
8-12 weeks dormancyAfter pollination, tiny seeds develop in capsules; in autumn, plant enters dormancy period; leaves may turn red and growth slows significantly
Allow dormancy to occur naturally; reduce watering slightly but keep soil moist; provide cool temperatures (45-55°F); dormancy is essential for plant health and longevity
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use distilled water misting; beneficial insects in greenhouse
-
and
Ensure adequate air circulation; avoid excessive humidity (keep below 85%); use sterile tools; remove affected leaves; consider fungicide if severe
-
Ensure peat-based soil with sand/perlite mix; use distilled water only; never allow stagnant water; repot in fresh medium if infection occurs
-
Increase humidity; improve air circulation; rinse gently with distilled water; use neem oil sparingly if needed (avoid herbicides)
Uses
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in folk medicine as a cough remedy and respiratory tonic. Some traditional herbalists prepared infusions from dried leaves for treating whooping cough and asthma, though modern evidence is limited. [source]
Insect predation
WildlifeNaturally traps and digests insects (flies, gnats, mosquito larvae), supplementing nutrients in nutrient-poor bog soils. In gardens, helps control small flying insects around the plant. [source]
Horticultural interest
CraftPrized by carnivorous plant collectors and botanical enthusiasts for its unique trapping mechanism and delicate appearance. Makes an excellent specimen for bog gardens and specialized terrariums. [source]
Bog garden accent
HouseholdIdeal feature plant for creating authentic bog gardens, moist terrariums, and wetland garden displays. Adds visual interest with its striking red-tipped tentacles and delicate flowers. [source]
Not for consumption
CulinaryWhile not toxic, the Round-leafed Sundew is too small and delicate for any culinary application. It is primarily valued for ornamental and ecological purposes only. [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; allow plant to trap insects naturally for nutrition. Collect seeds after flowers fade and seed capsules brown (typically late summer to fall). Let capsules dry on plant, then carefully collect and store seeds in cool, dry conditions for stratification. Allow plant to complete flowering cycle for maximum seed production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Round-leafed Sundew's sticky tentacles secrete digestive enzymes that allow it to absorb nutrients directly from trapped insects, making it one of nature's most efficient carnivorous plants.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'sundew' comes from the way morning dew and sticky mucilage sparkle in sunlight, resembling dewdrops—a deceptive appearance that attracts insects.
- 🌱 Round-leafed Sundew has been used in European folk medicine for centuries, appearing in herbals dating back to the 16th century, though its effectiveness for medicinal uses remains scientifically unproven.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Round-leafed Sundew planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Round-leafed 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 Round-leafed Sundew timeline →