Pygmy Sundew
drosera intermedia
Also known as: ["Pygmy Sundew","Intermediate Sundew"]
Overview
A carnivorous plant with sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest small insects.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Drosera |
| Botanical Name: | Drosera intermedia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: bog garden or container with standing water
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat moss and perlite (1:1).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few weeks during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching; place indoors near a bright window with filtered light; outdoors, provide dappled shade during peak sun hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid intense midday sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist
Use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water; water from the bottom to prevent mineral buildup; ensure excellent drainage to avoid root rot.
Soil
sphagnum peat moss with perlite or sand for excellent drainage
pH: Acidic, pH 3.5–5.5.
Use distilled water exclusively; ensure soil is always moist but never waterlogged; replace soil annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) but thrives in moderate warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
rarely, if ever, as they are carnivorous and derive nutrients from prey
Avoid standard houseplant fertilizers; fertilize only if traps are small or pale; use a specialized carnivorous plant fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting or divide the rhizome.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary but can be used sparingly if desired.
Timeline
Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Clean scissors, rooting hormone (optional), propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; avoid direct sun during rooting; maintain high humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead traps or leaves at the base with clean scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or blackened traps and leaves to encourage new growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead traps; snip yellowing leaves; clean tools before use; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure it’s not too large to avoid waterlogging.
Method
Use a mix of peat moss and perlite; ensure excellent drainage; gently tease apart roots if compacted.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its container; fresh soil is crucial for nutrient-depleted carnivorous plants.
Checklist
Use fresh carnivorous plant soil; ensure drainage holes are clear; handle roots gently; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled/rain water; water from the bottom; ensure fast drainage; maintain consistent moisture.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water until water drains freely from the bottom of the pot; focus on saturating the root zone; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth; reduce frequency slightly in winter dormancy but never let soil dry out completely.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; use distilled water to maintain acidity; avoid organic matter that retains too much moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; stunted growth or blackening of leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; can cause root damage and leaf necrosis if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat mat if necessary; ensure soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl or wilt; traps may close prematurely; growth may slow or stop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun hours; increase humidity; ensure adequate air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute heavily; apply sparingly; avoid during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not needed as they derive nutrients from insects; if fertilizing, use a very dilute (1/10 strength) carnivorous plant fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest Drosera intermedia. The plant's carnivorous adaptations and mucilaginous secretions can cause discomfort in the feline digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Drosera intermedia may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's irritant compounds. The carnivorous nature of the plant can also cause mild irritation to the oral cavity and digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDrosera intermedia, commonly known as the spoonleaf sundew, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's mucilaginous secretions and carnivorous nature contribute to its potential irritant effects on the human digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Drosera intermedia?
A: Provide bright, indirect light, keep the soil consistently moist with distilled or rainwater, and maintain high humidity.
Q: Is Drosera intermedia toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information on its toxicity to pets.
Q: Can Drosera intermedia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with proper lighting and humidity conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
