Spoon Leaf Sundew (Drosera spathulata)
Best carnivorous plant for indoor gardeners seeking low-maintenance insect control.
Discover the captivating Spoon Leaf Sundew (Drosera spathulata), a unique carnivorous plant native to Asian bogs. This fascinating plant forms attractive rosettes of tiny leaves covered in sticky, dew-like droplets that effectively trap and digest insects. It thrives in sunny indoor locations and requires consistent moisture, ideally by keeping it in a saucer of water to mimic its natural bog environment. Hardy in USDA Zones 9 and 10, this slow-growing plant reaches a mature height of 1-2 inches, making it an engaging and easy-to-care-for addition to your home.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3532
/ 9235
#3532 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Pot Size
2.5
/ "
Who it's for
- Novice gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow carnivorous plant
- Indoor gardeners struggling with fungus gnats or fruit flies
- Plant enthusiasts looking to propagate and expand their collection
Who should skip it
- Gardeners without access to distilled or reverse osmosis water
- Owners lacking bright, direct sunlight or specialized grow lights
- People living in homes with low ambient humidity levels
Performance breakdown
Pest Control Efficacy
Sticky glandular hairs effectively trap and digest small household gnats.
Maintenance Simplicity
Consistent water levels in a saucer make care remarkably straightforward.
Visual Appeal
Rosette formation and glistening droplets create a stunning, alien-like aesthetic.
Light Dependency
Requires intense, direct sunlight to maintain vibrant color and health.
Growth Pace
Slow development requires patience for the plant to reach maturity.
Pet Safety
Not recommended for households with curious cats or dogs.
Key Specs
Pot Size
2.5"
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Summer
Hardiness Zone
9-10
Minimum Indoor Temperatures
35 degrees
Mature Height
1-2 inches
Care Level
Easy
Watering Frequency
High
Features
- Carnivorous plant that catches insects
- Forms attractive rosettes of foliage
- Leaves covered in sticky droplets
- Digests trapped insects naturally
- Thrives in full sun exposure
- Ideal for bog-like growing conditions
- Easy care level
- Slow growth rate
What customers say
The Spoon Leaf Sundew is overwhelmingly recommended, especially for new carnivorous plant enthusiasts. Reviewers consistently highlight the plant's impressive hardiness; even stressed arrivals quickly recover and thrive under proper light and water. Its effectiveness as natural pest control is a major draw, with sticky traps rapidly capturing common household pests like fungus gnats. This variety exhibits a vigorous growth habit, often multiplying quickly through offsets, leading to a dense collection over time. While initial size sometimes disappoints, the plant's rapid post-settlement growth offers excellent value. Once basic care is understood, maintenance is straightforward, making it a reliable and visually appealing choice for all growers.
Know before you buy
This plant requires a bog-like environment, so it should be kept in a saucer filled with about an inch of distilled or rainwater at all times. Never let the soil dry out, as consistent moisture is essential for its survival.
No, you do not need to feed it. If placed in a sunny location where small insects are present, the plant will naturally attract and trap its own food using its sticky, dew-covered leaves.
It requires direct, full sun to thrive and maintain its sticky droplets. A south-facing windowsill is typically the best location to ensure it receives enough light throughout the day.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep it in a location that is inaccessible to curious pets, such as a high shelf or a dedicated plant room.
Always use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater. Tap water often contains minerals and salts that can build up in the soil and eventually harm or kill carnivorous plants.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17