🌿 Drosera burkeana Care Sheet
Miniature Rosette Sundew from Southern Africa
 
🏷 Overview
Drosera burkeana is a small, compact rosette sundew native to southern Africa. It is loved for its charming size, neat symmetrical growth, and sparkling tentacles. This species is easy to grow, thrives in a sunny environment, and is ideal for collectors with limited space or those looking to populate terrariums with miniature carnivores.
 
☀️ Light Requirements
Requires very bright light to maintain compact form and red coloration.
Ideal in full sun, sunny windowsills, or under strong grow lights (12–14 hrs/day).
In lower light, it may green out and become more elongated.
 
🌡 Temperature
Optimal range: 15°C – 30°C
Naturally adapted to warm days and cool nights.
Tolerates brief lows near 5°C and highs into the mid-30s if not dried out.
No dormancy needed.
 
💧 Watering
Soil must stay moist at all times, but avoid stagnant water.
Use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water.
Tray method recommended—keep in 1–2 cm of water.
 
🌱 Substrate
Use a mix of 1:1 peat and perlite or peat and silica sand.
Avoid fertilisers or enriched soils.
Optional top layer of fine sand for clean growth and moisture control.
 
🌬 Humidity & Airflow
Prefers moderate humidity (40–70%) but is not fussy.
Excellent for open-air setups or terrariums with good airflow.
Prevent stagnant, overly wet conditions to reduce risk of mold.
 
🌼 Feeding
Naturally feeds on small insects like springtails, gnats, and fruit flies.
Will catch prey easily outdoors or on a windowsill.
Can be hand-fed occasionally indoors—no more than once every 1–2 weeks.
 
🌿 Propagation
Propagates well from leaf cuttings or by seed.
Seeds need bright light and warm, moist conditions to germinate.
Fast-growing once established.
 
📏 Size & Growth Habit
Forms tight, symmetrical rosettes only 2–4 cm across.
Leaves are short and rounded with deep red tentacles under good light.
Compact and slow-spreading—perfect for terrarium edges and small pots.
 
💡 Terrarium Suitability
Perfect for closed or open terrariums with bright light.
Pairs well with miniature orchids, mosses, or other small Drosera.
Its miniature size makes it ideal for micro landscapes and small glass displays.
 
🧪 Fun Fact
Drosera burkeana is often mistaken for D. natalensis or D. dielsiana, but its tightly formed miniature rosettes and uniform shape set it apart. It’s one of the best small sundews for terrarium collectors.