🌿 Drosera regia Care Sheet
King Sundew – Majestic, Rare & Rewarding
 
🏷 Overview
Drosera regia, known as the King Sundew, is one of the largest and most spectacular species in the Drosera genus. Native to a small valley in South Africa, it produces long, sword-like leaves covered in glistening red tentacles and is capable of catching surprisingly large prey. While more challenging than beginner sundews, it thrives under the right conditions and rewards growers with dramatic, fast-growing foliage.
 
☀️ Light Requirements
Requires very bright light to full sun.
Outdoors: direct morning and late afternoon sun is ideal (protect from scorching midday heat).
Indoors: use strong LED or T5 grow lights for 12–14 hours/day.
In poor light, leaves weaken and may curl or droop.
 
🌡 Temperature
Ideal range: 10°C – 25°C
Prefers cooler nights and mild days, similar to its native mountain climate.
Tolerates short periods above 30°C if roots are kept cool and moist.
No dormancy, but may slow growth in extreme heat.
 
💧 Watering
Keep soil moist to wet, but not waterlogged.
Use rain, RO, or distilled water only.
Prefers deep pots and top-watering over standing in a tray (can tolerate tray if well-aerated).
 
🌱 Substrate
Needs a light, airy mix:
2 parts peat : 1 part perlite : 1 part silica sand or orchid bark.
Some growers add long-fiber sphagnum or chopped sphagnum.
Avoid compacted or heavy soils.
 
🌬 Humidity & Airflow
Enjoys moderate humidity (40–70%) but tolerates lower levels if roots are cool.
Requires excellent airflow—stagnant conditions can lead to fungal problems.
Not ideal for closed terrariums unless tall, cool, and well-ventilated.
 
🌼 Feeding
Can catch larger prey like houseflies, moths, and even small crickets.
Benefits from regular feeding, especially in low-nutrient soils.
Can be hand-fed crushed insects or bloodworms monthly if not catching prey.
 
🌿 Propagation
Propagates by root cuttings, which can sprout many plantlets.
Occasionally divides or resprouts from the root crown.
Does not propagate well from leaf cuttings.
 
📏 Size & Growth Habit
Produces leaves up to 30–45 cm long under good conditions.
Forms a central crown with radiating leaves.
Can flower with long spikes bearing small purple blooms—but flowering may stall growth.
 
💡 Terrarium Suitability
Not ideal for closed terrariums due to its size, airflow needs, and root depth.
Best in deep pots, cool greenhouses, or well-lit patios.
For indoor growing, a tall container with ventilation and strong lighting is essential.
 
🧪 Fun Fact
Drosera regia is considered the most “primitive” living sundew, closely related to both sundews and the Venus flytrap—making it a living fossil in your collection.