Drosera spatulata aka Spoonleaf Sundew

Keep the soil consistently moist using the tray method — sit the pot in a shallow tray of water at all times. Use only distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or collected rainwater, as the dissolved minerals in tap water will slowly kill the plant. Allow the tray to nearly dry out before refilling to prevent stagnant conditions, but never let the soil dry completely.

Drosera spatulata prefers humidity levels between 50–70% but is more tolerant of lower humidity than many other carnivorous plants. Using a tray of water beneath the pot naturally raises ambient humidity around the plant. Growing in a terrarium or near other plants can also help maintain adequate moisture levels. New Zealand varieties tend to prefer slightly higher humidity around 60%.

Do not use conventional houseplant fertilizer on Drosera spatulata — it can alter soil chemistry and kill the plant. This carnivorous species obtains nutrients from the insects it catches with its sticky tentacles. If growing indoors where insects are scarce, you can feed the plant manually with small insects like fruit flies or rehydrated freeze-dried bloodworms placed directly on the leaves.

Drosera spatulata is one of the easiest sundews to propagate. It self-pollinates prolifically, producing copious seeds that germinate readily in about three weeks on moist peat or sphagnum. Simply let flower stalks mature and scatter seeds onto the growing medium. The plant can also be propagated by leaf cuttings (placed on moist sphagnum), root cuttings, or division of mature rosettes.

Drosera spatulata is a small, flat rosette-forming plant that typically reaches 2–7 cm in diameter at maturity, with considerable size variation depending on growing conditions and locality. It produces slender flower stalks 8–20 cm tall. Growth rate is moderate, and the plant can establish a mature rosette within a few months from seed under good conditions. Individual rosettes are short-lived but the plant perpetuates readily through self-sown seeds.

Drosera spatulata has one of the largest natural ranges of any sundew species. It is native to southeastern China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, Malaya, Micronesia (Caroline Islands), Papua New Guinea, eastern Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria), Tasmania, and New Zealand. It was first described from a Tasmanian specimen by Labillardière in 1804. The species grows in open, acidic, poorly drained habitats including peat bogs, wet heathlands, and bare clay banks.

Drosera spatulata thrives in temperatures between 15–29°C (60–85°F) and tolerates a range from 7–32°C (45–90°F). It is a subtropical species that does not tolerate frost. In mild climates (USDA zones 8–10), it can grow outdoors year-round with some protection. In cooler regions, bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 7°C. New Zealand forms tend to prefer cooler conditions than tropical Asian varieties.

Yes, Drosera spatulata is a prolific bloomer. It produces slender stalks 8–20 cm tall bearing approximately six small flowers that are pink or white. The flowers are frequently self-pollinating and produce copious quantities of tiny seeds. Under good growing conditions, the plant can flower almost continuously. If you don't want it spreading to other pots, trim flower stalks before they set seed.

Drosera spatulata is frequently self-pollinating, meaning the flowers can set seed without external pollinators. This self-fertility is a key reason why the species produces such abundant seed and is considered a "weed" among carnivorous plant growers. In the wild, the flowers may also be visited by small insects, though self-pollination is the primary reproductive strategy.

Two infraspecific taxa are currently accepted by Kew: var. spatulata (the widespread typical form) and var. bakoensis (from Bako National Park, Borneo, with rounder leaves and larger petals). In New Zealand, four distinct forms are recognized including a robust South Island west coast form and an alpine form with smaller orbicular leaves. Variants are often known by their localities, such as 'Hong Kong,' 'Fraser Island,' or 'Kanto, Japan.' The related Drosera tokaiensis is a natural hybrid between D. spatulata and D. rotundifolia.

Drosera spatulata can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 8–10 in a protected bog garden or similar wet, acidic setting. It excels in open, sunny, boggy conditions in peaty soil. In zone 7, it may survive with extra winter protection. In colder zones, bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 7°C (45°F). When grown outside, the plant will catch its own insect prey and typically colours up more intensely in natural sunlight.

Unlike many other popular carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap, Drosera spatulata does not require a winter dormancy period. It grows year-round with relatively consistent care. Growth may slow during the shorter days of winter, particularly if grown on a windowsill with reduced natural light. Supplemental artificial lighting (fluorescent or LED grow lights providing 13–16 hours daily) can maintain active growth through winter.

Drosera spatulata does not require frequent repotting. Repot when the sphagnum or peat moss begins to decompose and break down (typically every 1–2 years), or if the plant has produced many offsets that are crowding the pot. Use a plastic, glazed ceramic, or glass pot with drainage holes. A moderate-sized pot works best — the plant is very small and does not need a large container. Always use mineral-free soil (peat/sphagnum with perlite or silica sand) and distilled water when repotting.

Drosera spatulata is relatively pest-resistant, partly because it catches many small insects itself. Aphids are the most common pest, particularly on flower stalks. Fungal issues can occur if the plant is kept in stagnant, poorly ventilated conditions. Ensure good air circulation while maintaining humidity. Avoid pesticides and insecticides as these can damage the sensitive glandular tentacles. If aphids appear, remove them manually or rinse gently with distilled water.

The most common cause of poor growth in Drosera spatulata is insufficient light — ensure it receives at least 13 hours of bright light daily. Using tap water instead of distilled or rain water is another frequent cause, as dissolved minerals accumulate in the soil and poison the roots. Check that the soil is nutrient-free peat or sphagnum (never regular potting soil). Low humidity and cold temperatures below 15°C can also slow growth significantly.

Brown leaves on Drosera spatulata are most commonly caused by using tap water or mineral-rich water, which leads to salt buildup that burns the roots and kills leaves. Scorching from intense direct midday sun can also cause brown, crispy leaves. Old leaves naturally brown and die as new ones emerge from the center of the rosette — this is normal. If widespread browning occurs, check water quality first, then assess light intensity and ensure the soil has not been contaminated with fertilizer.

The genus Drosera has a long history in traditional European herbal medicine for treating respiratory ailments including coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma, dating back to 12th century Italy. While D. rotundifolia is the primary medicinal species, phytochemical research on D. spatulata has confirmed significant antimicrobial activity against respiratory pathogens. The plant contains bioactive compounds including flavonoids, plumbagin, and anthraquinones. It is not widely used medicinally today outside of homeopathic preparations.

Spoonleaf Sundew requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Spoonleaf Sundew loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Spoonleaf Sundew requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sundew will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.