The easiest sundews to grow are subtropical species, which thrive in full sunlight that supports proper growth and coloration. The best location for growing sundews indoors is a south-, east-, or west-facing windowsill.

For watering, use pure water without dissolved minerals—such as distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis (RO) water. The most convenient method is tray watering: pour water into the tray and maintain a level not exceeding 2 cm. Allow the water to dry out, then repeat the process after about two days.

Do not fertilize. The plant obtains nutrients naturally from insects it captures and digests. In the absence of prey, it will continue to grow through photosynthesis.

A suitable substrate is high-quality acidic peat with the addition of fine gravel or perlite. Frequent repotting is not necessary, as most sundews have relatively small root systems.

There are, however, some exceptions to these general rules—certain groups of sundews require different conditions. These include the Petiolaris complex, tuberous sundews, pygmy sundews, temperate (cold-growing) species, and Queensland sundews.

A very interesting group of sundews originating from northeastern Queensland, Australia, where they inhabit rainforest and eucalyptus forest environments. They have lower light requirements than most sundews, as they are adapted to filtered sunlight in nature.

They prefer higher humidity and are especially recommended for warm, humid tropical terrariums. In nature, they grow along mossy or sandy edges of forest streams, so live sphagnum moss can be used to replicate natural conditions.

We recommend a substrate mix of acidic peat (pH 3.5–4.5, without fertilizers), fine gravel or perlite, and dead sphagnum moss in equal proportions. Under stronger light, the leaves develop a reddish coloration.

A small group of sundews from northern Australia, forming semi-circular rosettes with rounded traps. Their appearance is quite unique, often resembling coral, and many species display unusual coloration.

In nature, they grow in very sunny, warm, and often sandy habitats. In cultivation, they perform best in warm, well-lit terrariums, although they can also grow very well in greenhouses. Optimal temperatures are 20–30°C; they do not tolerate temperatures below 15°C well.

These sundews may periodically enter dormancy. Some species produce reduced leaves and stop opening traps (e.g. fulva, ordensis, paradoxa), while others (such as falconeri or kenneallyi) may lose their entire above-ground growth. Dormancy usually lasts 1–3 months, after which the plant regenerates.

Some species develop long roots, so taller pots (over 12 cm) are recommended.

Suggested substrate: sphagnum peat (pH 3.5–4.5, no fertilizers), sand, akadama, kanuma, and perlite in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio.

They can also grow in a simpler peat + sand/perlite mix during the growing season, but during dormancy excessive moisture may cause the rhizome to rot. A more mineral substrate reduces this risk.

We recommend growing tuberous sundews outdoors—on a balcony, terrace, or in the garden—from April to November.

When summer temperatures exceed 25°C, the plants naturally enter dormancy. During this period (2–3 months), watering should be stopped. In autumn, the plants will resume growth and watering should be restarted.

Tuberous sundews can remain outdoors until the first frosts. After that, they should be moved to a bright, cool location (5–15°C), such as a basement or attic window. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental lighting (e.g. a compact fluorescent lamp) can be used.

If necessary, they can also be grown on a windowsill during winter.

Substrate: a mix of sand and acidic peat (pH 3.5–4.5, no fertilizers) in a 1:1 or even 2:1 ratio. A 1–2 cm top layer of pure sand is also beneficial.

Although these plants may seem difficult at first, we strongly encourage trying them. Some species, such as peltata, auriculata, menziesii, and macrantha, are quite forgiving for beginners