Drosera spatulata
Best carnivorous plant for beginner terrarium enthusiasts.
The Spoonleaved Sundew, _Drosera spatulata_, is a small, perennial, carnivorous plant with red traps and tentacles that quickly move towards prey. Its leaves can range in color from orangey-green to maroon, and it maintains traps year-round. This tropical sundew thrives in open, sunny, boggy conditions with peaty soils. It produces pink blossoms on long-lasting scapes, often flowering most profusely in summer. The plant generously produces seeds that sprout easily, making it a wonderful companion plant. It's an excellent terrarium plant and a reliable performer, ideal for beginners.
$12.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
140
/ 10395
#140 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Height
0.51.5
/ " - "
Who it's for
- Indoor gardeners seeking natural solutions for fungus gnat infestations
- Novice hobbyists exploring the world of carnivorous plant care
- Apartment dwellers with limited windowsill or terrarium space
Who should skip it
- Busy owners unable to source distilled or rainwater consistently
- Residents living in homes with insufficient natural light
- Homeowners looking to eliminate larger household insect pests
Performance breakdown
Beginner Accessibility
Forgiving nature makes this the perfect entry point for new growers.
Terrarium Suitability
Compact rosette form fits perfectly within confined, humid glass environments.
Propagation Ease
Prolific seed production ensures a continuous supply of new plants.
Visual Impact
Vibrant red tentacles and delicate pink blooms provide striking aesthetic contrast.
Environmental Versatility
Adapts well to varied light levels and diverse bog-like growing conditions.
Predatory Efficiency
Responsive tentacles effectively capture small insects with impressive, rapid movement.
Key Specs
Height
0.5" - 1.5"
Plant Type
Perennial, sub-tropical
Soil
Lower Bog Mix or All-Purpose Mix
Light
Bright indoors, full sun to partial sun outdoors
Native Range
Wet Bogs of southeastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand
Zones
8-10 (7-11)
Features
- Small, perennial, flat, rosette-forming carnivorous plant
- Red traps with tentacles that move quickly to capture prey
- Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions
- Produces pink blossoms on multi-flowered scapes
- Generously produces seeds that sprout easily
- Excellent terrarium plant
- Reliable performer for collections
- Great beginner's plant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Drosera spatulata upon arrival. Plants frequently exceed expectations, arriving robust, well established, and often larger than anticipated. The secure packaging ensures safe transit for these delicate specimens. This reliable quality, combined with competitive pricing, makes this sundew an outstanding value. It is highly recommended for both new and experienced carnivorous plant enthusiasts seeking an easy to grow addition to their collection.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is widely considered one of the best starter plants. It is a reliable performer that adapts well to various conditions and is very forgiving for beginners.
Absolutely. Its small, rosette-forming habit and preference for high humidity make it an excellent candidate for terrarium setups.
It requires bright light to maintain its vibrant color and trap production. If growing indoors, place it in a very bright window; outdoors, it thrives in full to partial sun.
No, you do not need to feed it. If kept in an area where small insects are present, it will capture its own food, but it can survive without supplemental feeding.
This species is a prolific seed producer. The flowers will eventually form seeds that sprout easily, allowing you to grow new plants with minimal effort.
You should use a specialized carnivorous plant medium, such as a Lower Bog Mix or an All-Purpose carnivorous plant soil. Avoid standard potting soils, as they contain nutrients that can harm the plant.
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Ready to buy?
$13