Long-leaved Sundew
drosera longifolia
Also known as: ["Long-leaved Sundew","Longleaf Sundew"]
Overview
A carnivorous plant with long, narrow leaves covered in glandular hairs that secrete sticky dew to trap insects.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Drosera |
| Botanical Name: | Drosera longifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: boggy areas or in a container with a water tray to maintain soil moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, as they prefer high ambient humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage; avoid standard potting soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically during active growth or when traps die back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; direct sunlight can scorch leaves, so filtered light through a sheer curtain is ideal.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct light if desired; avoid intense midday sun; for indoor plants, place near an east-facing window or under grow lights.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct midday sun; rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; water from the bottom to prevent fungal issues; ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil with good drainage
pH: Acidic (pH 4.0–5.5).
Use distilled water; avoid fertilizers; ensure soil is consistently moist but not soggy.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and can enter dormancy in winter.
Keep away from drafty windows in winter; use a heat mat in cooler climates during growth; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
rarely, if ever, as they derive nutrients from insects
Avoid standard houseplant fertilizers; fertilize only if growth is poor; apply to soil, not traps.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; leaf cuttings can also be used but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem or leaf cutting.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Place in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite (1:1); must be well-draining and sterile.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting if used sparingly.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead traps or leaves with clean scissors; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or decaying traps and leaves to maintain hygiene and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead parts; avoid over-pruning; dispose of removed material away from the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh carnivorous plant soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container; necessary to refresh soil and prevent root binding.
Checklist
Use fresh carnivorous soil mix; ensure pot has drainage holes; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled/rainwater; bottom-watering preferred; ensure fast drainage; avoid wetting leaves; reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened; avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal infections; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before night.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in winter dormancy, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to increase drainage; use distilled or rainwater to maintain acidity; replace soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing) in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; dormancy triggered by prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, causing growth cessation; prolonged cold can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location (above 50°F or 10°C); reduce watering during dormancy; protect from frost if outdoors.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, turn yellow, or develop brown spots; traps may become less effective.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but ensure good drainage.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute heavily; apply to soil only; avoid feeding traps.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not needed as Drosera captures insects; if fertilizing, use a very dilute (1/4 strength) carnivorous plant fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Drosera longifolia. The plant's compounds can cause mild digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Drosera longifolia may result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's active compounds. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDrosera longifolia, commonly known as the narrow-leaved sundew, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The plant's mucilaginous secretions and insecticidal properties may lead to irritation in the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Drosera longifolia?
A: Provide bright, indirect light, use distilled or rainwater, and maintain high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Is Drosera longifolia toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information on its toxicity to pets; it is best to keep it out of reach of animals.
Q: Does Drosera longifolia require special soil?
A: Yes, it thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor, and well-draining soil, such as a mix of peat moss and sand.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, keeping soi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
