English Sundew
drosera anglica
Also known as: ["Anglicum Sundew","Great Sundew"]
Overview
A carnivorous plant with sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest insects.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Drosera |
| Botanical Name: | Drosera anglica |
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":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Excellent drainage; waterlogged soil is fatal.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss-based mix or a blend of peat moss and perlite (1:1).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: high
- Toughness Level: low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically during spring or when dead leaves are visible.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to bright indirect light, 6–8 hours per day. Adjust for seasonal changes, providing more light in winter and partial shade during intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. For indoor placement, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains. Outdoor plants benefit from morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct midday sun in summer; rotate the pot for even light exposure; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist
Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; water from the bottom to prevent disturbing the dew glands; ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
sphagnum peat moss with perlite or sand for drainage
pH: Acidic, pH 3.5–5.0.
Use distilled water for soil; avoid fertilizers; maintain acidic pH.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–75°F (10–24°C). Prefers cooler conditions in winter for dormancy.
Keep away from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; provide cooler conditions in winter.
Fertilizing
rarely, if ever, as it is a carnivorous plant
Avoid standard fertilizers; use carnivorous plant-specific fertilizer; fertilize sparingly if at all.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Provide indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat moss and perlite (1:1).
Hormone
Not necessary, but rooting hormone for carnivorous plants can aid success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, sphagnum moss.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves at the base with clean scissors. Avoid disturbing healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead or decaying leaves to maintain hygiene and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead/damaged leaves; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh carnivorous plant soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Necessary to refresh the soil and prevent root binding.
Checklist
Use fresh carnivorous soil; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled/rainwater; water from the bottom; ensure excellent drainage; maintain soil moisture; avoid tap water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly into the pot's saucer, allowing the soil to absorb water from the bottom. Ensure the water level in the saucer is just below the soil surface. Remove excess water after 30 minutes to prevent saturation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently, keeping the soil perpetually moist but not waterlogged. During active growth (spring/summer), water more frequently; reduce slightly in winter but never let the soil dry out completely.
Soil Improvement
Use pure sphagnum moss or add perlite to peat moss for aeration. Avoid mineral-based soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration, reduced dew production, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or induce dormancy. Prolonged cold below 40°F (4°C) may damage tissues.
Solution: Provide a cool but stable environment (50–60°F) during winter. Avoid frost exposure and ensure good air circulation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf burn, reduced dew, and wilting, especially above 85°F (29°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and ensure consistent moisture. Avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute heavily; apply sparingly; avoid during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Drosera anglica is carnivorous and typically does not require fertilization, as it derives nutrients from insects. If needed, use a very dilute (1/10 strength) carnivorous plant fertilizer once monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDrosera anglica is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxins that would affect felines, and it is generally safe for them to be in proximity to or accidentally ingest small amounts of the plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicDrosera anglica is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that would cause adverse effects in canines, even if ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicDrosera anglica, commonly known as the English sundew, is a carnivorous plant species that is not known to produce any toxic compounds harmful to humans. Its primary ecological role involves trapping and digesting small insects, and it does not pose a risk of toxicity through ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Drosera anglica?
A: It requires a nutrient-poor, acidic soil mix, high humidity, and bright, indirect light. Water with distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
Q: Is Drosera anglica 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: Can Drosera anglica be grown indoors?
A: Yes, but it needs a humid environment and proper lighting to thrive indoors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
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