Drosera regia
Drosera regia
King Sundew
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Taxonomy
Family Droseraceae · Genus Drosera
Description
Drosera regia, the King Sundew, is a spectacular carnivorous plant with long, arching, dew-covered leaves that glitter in bright light. Give it pure water, bright sun, and cool roots and it rewards you with vigorous growth and tall flower stalks in season.
Common Names
King SundewRoyal Sundew
Context
nativeRegion
Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa
usdaZones
9b–11 (not frost-hardy; usually grown indoors or in a greenhouse elsewhere)
companionPlants
Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap), Drosera capensis, Drosera binata, Sarracenia spp.
culturalUses
Collector’s specimen, educational displays on carnivory, and natural capture of small flying insects.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to very bright light; 4–6+ hours direct sun or strong grow lights.
WateringKeep evenly moist with rain, RO, or distilled water. Use a tray with 0.5–1 in (1–2.5 cm) of water; never let dry. Avoid tap water.
SoilNutrient-free mix: 1:1 sphagnum peat and perlite or long-fiber sphagnum with perlite. Deep, airy pot; no compost.
FertilizerDo not fertilize the soil. Feed with small insects or apply very dilute foliar fertilizer (100–200 ppm) monthly during active growth.
Humidity50–70% ideal; tolerates ~40% with proper watering and airflow.
TemperatureDays 65–80°F (18–27°C), nights 45–60°F (7–16°C). Avoid sustained heat >85°F (29°C) and frost; keep roots cool.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitPerennial rosette-forming carnivorous herb with long, arching, sticky leaves.
Mature SizeLeaves 12–24 in (30–60 cm); flower scape 24–36 in (60–90 cm).
Growth RateModerate; faster once established in bright, cool conditions.
BloomingLate spring to summer; tall scapes bearing pink flowers.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter or heat. Maintain bright light and cool roots.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Root cuttings, Tissue culture, Division (rare)
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove dead leaves and spent flower stalks to prevent mold and encourage airflow.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring into a deep pot (6–10 in) with fresh, nutrient-free media; handle long roots gently.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, thrips, spider mites, and fungus gnats; Botrytis in stagnant humidity; root rot in warm, waterlogged media; mineral burn from hard water.
ToxicityNon-toxic to people and pets; sticky leaves trap small insects.
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