Drosera peltata
Drosera peltata · Droseraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant drosera peltata: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Shield Sundew
- Family
- Droseraceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous carnivorous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (white or pink flowers)
- Mature size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Not cold hardy, cultivate in greenhouse or indoors
- Origin
- Australia, New Zealand
- Soil
- Peaty, acidic, very well-draining
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist at all times, ideally with rainwater or distilled water, as this plant is sensitive to mineral salts. In winter, reduce watering slightly without letting the soil dry out completely. Use a water tray or mist regularly to maintain high ambient humidity.
Light exposure
Place the plant in bright, indirect light, ideally near an east or west-facing window. It appreciates good brightness but fears scorching sun rays in summer that can dry out the sticky leaves. A partially shaded location in very hot climates is recommended.
Substrate and soil
Use a very well-draining mix based on blonde peat moss, sphagnum, and perlite in equal proportions. Avoid any rich or chalky potting soil. A pot with drainage holes at the bottom is essential to prevent water stagnation. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove only dead or damaged leaves as needed. Keep the sticky leaves intact as they ensure insect capture. After flowering, eliminate faded flowers to promote the plant's overall vigor.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary as the plant captures its nutrients through its carnivorous leaves. Overly rich soil could damage its sensitive roots. The plant feeds naturally on insects attracted by the mucilage on its leaves.
Diseases and pests
Beware of stagnant excess moisture which causes root rot. Spider mites and mealybugs can occasionally appear in conditions that are too dry. Ventilate the environment regularly to prevent fungal issues. Isolate any infested plant.
Temperature and humidity
Ideally between 15 and 25°C year-round. The plant appreciates a cooler winter rest period (10-15°C) to reflower in spring. Maintain high humidity (60-80%) by using a humidifier or a tray filled with wet pebbles under the pot.
Did you know?
The Drosera peltata has fascinated botanists since the 18th century: its leaves bear red tentacles covered in mucilage that sparkle like dewdrops, hence its Latin name "Drosera" (from ancient Greek drosé = dew). This passive carnivorous plant is a marvel of evolution in poor soils: it "prefers" to capture its nutrients rather than seek them in infertile soil.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Great sundewDrosera anglica
- Drosera spatulataDrosera spatulata
- Pink sundewDrosera capillaris
- Drosera aberransDrosera aberrans
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- SageSalvia officinalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.