If you’re new to the world of carnivorous plants, sundew (scientific name Drosera) is one of the most rewarding choices for indoor cultivation. With its delicate, sticky “tentacles” that trap small insects, it’s both visually fascinating and surprisingly low-maintenance — if you follow the right steps. Unlike common houseplants (which thrive on nutrient-rich soil and regular fertilizing), sundew has evolved to survive in nutrient-poor environments, relying on bugs for extra nourishment. This guide will walk you through every detail of growing sundew indoors, from setup to long-term care, so even first-time plant parents can succeed.

1. Choose the Right Soil Mix: The Foundation of Healthy Sundew

Sundew’s roots are extremely sensitive to nutrients and chemicals — using regular potting soil is the #1 mistake beginners make (it will burn the roots and kill your plant within weeks). Instead, you need a nutrient-free, well-draining mix that mimics the sundew’s natural habitat (boggy, acidic wetlands).

The ideal soil recipe for indoor sundew is:

- 70% long-fiber sphagnum moss (organic, unfertilized): This retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, and its acidic pH (4.5–5.5) matches what sundew prefers.

- 30% perlite (coarse grade): Adds air pockets to the soil, preventing root rot (sundew hates soggy roots!). Avoid fine perlite — it can compact too easily.

Pro Tip: Skip peat moss (a common alternative to sphagnum) if possible. While it’s acidic, it decomposes faster, which can alter the soil’s structure over time. If you must use peat, mix it with extra perlite (40% peat, 60% perlite) to improve drainage.

2. Pick the Perfect Pot & Location: Light and Space Matter

Sundew doesn’t need a large pot (most indoor varieties stay under 6 inches tall), but the right container and placement will determine its health.

- Pot Selection: Use a plastic or ceramic pot with drainage holes (1–2 inches of depth is enough for small sundew varieties like Drosera capensis). Avoid terracotta pots — they absorb moisture too quickly, drying out the soil before the plant can take up water. If you want a decorative look, place the plastic pot inside a larger, waterproof cachepot (just empty excess water from the cachepot after watering).

- Light Requirements: Sundew needs bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours per day (south-facing windows are ideal in the Northern Hemisphere). If your home lacks natural light, use a full-spectrum LED grow light (set to 12 hours per day, placed 6–8 inches above the plant). Avoid direct midday sun — it can scorch the delicate leaves, turning them brown and crispy.

Test Your Light: If the sundew’s leaves are flat (not upright) and lack sticky dew, it’s not getting enough light. Move it closer to the window or increase the grow light’s intensity.

3. Water Correctly: Moist, Not Soggy

Sundew needs consistently moist soil, but overwatering (or using the wrong water) is another common beginner mistake.

- Water Type: Only use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse-osmosis (RO) water. Tap water contains chlorine, fluoride, and minerals that are toxic to sundew (even “filtered” tap water often has residual chemicals). Collect rainwater in a clean container (avoid metal buckets, which can leach minerals) or buy distilled water from the grocery store (it’s cheap and widely available).

- Watering Method: Use the bottom-watering technique (the safest way to avoid overwatering):

1. Fill the saucer under the pot with 1–2 inches of water.

2. Let the soil absorb water through the drainage holes for 30 minutes.

3. Empty any excess water from the saucer (don’t let the pot sit in standing water for more than an hour — this causes root rot).

- Watering Frequency: Check the top ¼ inch of soil every 2–3 days. If it feels dry, repeat the bottom-watering process. In dry indoor environments (like heated homes in winter), you may need to water every 1–2 days.

4. Feed Sparingly: Let the Plant Do Its Job

Sundew is a carnivorous plant — it catches small insects (like fruit flies, gnats, or ants) with its sticky tentacles, then digests them for nutrients. Indoor sundew may catch enough bugs on its own (especially if you have a few houseplants), but if your home is bug-free, you’ll need to feed it occasionally.

- What to Feed: Only give sundew small, soft-bodied insects (1–2 mm in size). Good options include:

- Fruit flies (the most accessible — buy them from pet stores as “flightless fruit flies”).

- Pinhead crickets (only for larger sundew varieties).

- Avoid: Bees, wasps, or hard-shelled bugs (they can damage the leaves).

- How to Feed: Place 1 insect per week on a mature leaf (skip seedlings — they don’t need extra food). Don’t overfeed: more than 2 insects per week will cause the leaf to rot (sundew can only digest one bug at a time).

- Alternative: Fertilizer? No! Never use fertilizer on sundew — even a small amount will burn the roots. The plant gets all the nutrients it needs from insects (or from the soil, if you use the right mix).

5. Monitor for Common Issues: Fix Problems Before They Kill Your Plant

Indoor sundew is tough, but it will show signs of stress if something is wrong. Here’s how to identify and fix the most common issues:

- Yellow or Brown Leaves:

- Cause: Too much direct sunlight, or tap water with minerals.

- Fix: Move the plant to a shadier spot, and switch to distilled water. Trim dead leaves with clean scissors (this encourages new growth).

- No Sticky Dew on Leaves:

- Cause: Lack of humidity (sundew needs 50–70% humidity) or not enough light.

- Fix: Place a humidity tray under the pot (fill it with pebbles and water, making sure the pot isn’t sitting in the water). If light is low, add a grow light.

- Wilting Leaves:

- Cause: Soil is too dry, or root rot from overwatering.

- Fix: Check the soil — if it’s dry, water immediately. If it’s soggy, remove the plant from the pot, trim any black, mushy roots, and repot it in fresh soil.

- Slow Growth:

- Cause: Not enough light or food.

- Fix: Increase light exposure (add a grow light if needed) and feed 1 insect per week.

Final Tips for Long-Term Success

- Repotting: Sundew only needs repotting every 1–2 years (when the soil decomposes or the plant outgrows the pot). Use fresh sphagnum moss + perlite mix, and be gentle — the roots are fragile.

- Winter Care: Most indoor sundew varieties (like Drosera capensis) don’t go dormant in winter, but they may grow slower. Reduce watering slightly (let the top ½ inch of soil dry out) and keep the light consistent.

- Enjoy the Process! Sundew is a fascinating plant to watch — you’ll see its tentacles curl around insects within 15–30 minutes of trapping them. Don’t stress if it takes a few weeks to adjust to your home; with patience, it will thrive.

If you’re ready to take the next step, check our guide on How to Choose the Best Soil for Sundew to Prevent Root Rot (coming soon) to learn more about soil maintenance. For questions about specific sundew varieties, leave a comment below!