Drosera regia, the king sundew, is in a class of its own. This impressive plant is rare in nature—only a few South African colonies are known. It is considered an archaic species, one of the oldest to survive in modern times. The sword-shaped leaves can approach 2 feet in length and can twist their tapered ends around prey. Each leaf is covered in thick globules of mucilage that can overcome even large and powerful insects.
The plants we are shipping are about 1-2” tall and will grow taller, with more leaves quickly.
Please note that when purchased in winter, these are just emerging from dormancy and are smaller than they will be at full growth in spring and summer. During this time, they will die back to hibernacula in the soil.
Care Instructions
Growth Habit: The King Sundew has large, long, lance-shaped leaves up to two feet long. Older leaves die back frequently, turning black and shrinking, but many new leaves will grow. Plantlets can grow from the roots; these hardy plants will regrow from roots if exposed to a brief freeze.
Sun: Full to part sun. Grow on sunny windowsills in direct sun, greenhouses, or a terrarium with fluorescent light. These can be grown outdoors in mild climates as long as plants are protected from extreme temperatures and the roots are kept cool. If grown outdoors, provide bright diffused light or morning sun only. They will do well under grow lights on a 10-12 hour day. Place the lights 6-10” from the plants, depending on the strength of your light. When grown indoors, they are usually 10-14” in size. If your plant is not producing dew, it may need more light.
Water & Humidity: Water with distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only, as these plants are very sensitive to minerals and salts in their water. Water frequently to keep the plants from drying out, but do not let them sit in the water in the winter months or cool and wet Spring months. Plants can sit in water only during hot summer, but it is best to let them dry out between refilling trays. Always keep plants in water when temperatures are high to help keep the roots cool. They appreciate humidity of at least 50%.
Temperature: Daytime temperatures are in the 70s-80s, with a 10-20 degree drop in night temperatures. Regia can take temperatures down to 40 degrees, and if they have formed hibernacula, they can tolerate a light freeze, but it is best to protect them. Regia can tolerate brief heatwaves up to 95 as long as the roots are kept cool, they are protected from the full sun, and nighttime temperatures cool down.
Dormancy: While no dormancy is needed, they will die back to hibernacula in winter if exposed to cooler temperatures in a greenhouse or outdoors. Be sure to water less if your plant dies back.
Fertilizer: Apply diluted Maxsea fertilizer once or twice a month to the leaves.
Soil & Repotting: King sundews should be grown in a mix of long-fibered New Zealand sphagnum moss, orchid bark, pumice, and perlite. Our custom Nepenthes soil blend is available to add to your order (this is the appropriate mix for Drosera regia), but you do not need to repot your plant after receiving it from us. Regia do not appreciate repotting but should be moved to a bigger pot after 1-2 years. They prefer a tall pot.
More Information: For more information check out our FAQ page or our YouTube channel!
