Drosera chrysolepis aka Sundew

Drosera chrysolepis is a challenging plant best suited for intermediate to experienced growers. As a tropical highland sundew, it requires specific conditions including high humidity (50-85%), consistently moist soil using only distilled or rainwater, acidic nutrient-poor substrate, and bright light. The plant is sensitive to minerals in tap water and cannot tolerate fertilizer in the soil. Success requires maintaining a controlled environment, ideally in a terrarium, greenhouse, or under grow lights with a humidity tray.

Water Drosera chrysolepis using the tray method, keeping 3-4 cm of water constantly in the saucer. Use only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water—never tap water, as mineral content will damage the plant. The water conductivity should be below 50 micro-Siemens. This sundew naturally grows in year-round humid soil and boggy conditions, so consistent moisture is essential. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Use a nutrient-poor, well-draining, acidic substrate. A standard mix is one part peat moss, one part silica sand, and one part perlite. Alternatively, pure sphagnum moss works well. Never use regular potting soil, compost, or any mix containing fertilizers—these will kill the plant. In nature, this species grows in fine sand mixed with black humus, quartz sand, or boggy peat soil in the Brazilian highlands.

Provide bright light to full sun for optimal growth and dew production. Subtropical Drosera require more light than a typical windowsill provides. Grow under strong artificial lights (LED grow lights work well) or in a sunny location outdoors after gradual acclimation. Insufficient light results in reduced dew production and leggy, weak growth. If using artificial lighting, position lights close enough to provide high intensity without scorching the leaves.

Maintain humidity between 50-85% for optimal dew production and health. Higher humidity (75-85%) will produce more impressive sticky droplets on the leaves. Subtropical Drosera prefer higher humidity than typical household levels. A terrarium, humidity tray, or greenhouse environment works best. If growing in open air, regular misting and the constant water tray help maintain adequate humidity.

Maintain temperatures between 18-30°C (65-85°F) during the day, with slightly cooler nights of 10-16°C (50-60°F). As a tropical highland species from the Brazilian highlands, this sundew prefers moderate warmth without extreme heat. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°C (59°F), as tropical sundews can be damaged by cold. Winter conditions should be somewhat cooler and drier than summer but never cold.

Never fertilize the soil of Drosera chrysolepis—this will damage or kill the plant. Carnivorous plants evolved to obtain nutrients from prey, not soil. If you want to boost growth, you can occasionally feed the plant with small insects, freeze-dried bloodworms, or dilute fish food placed directly on the leaves. Alternatively, mature plants may tolerate very light foliar misting with highly diluted high-nitrogen fertilizer, but this is risky and unnecessary.

Propagate by seed, leaf cuttings, or root cuttings. For seeds, sow on the surface of moist peat/sand mix without covering, maintain high humidity with plastic covering, and provide temperatures of 20-25°C (70-80°F) with light. Germination can be slow. Mature plants can be propagated vegetatively—stem and root cuttings produce mature plants relatively quickly. Leaf cuttings are also possible but take longer to develop.

Drosera chrysolepis is non-toxic to both humans and pets. Sundews are not listed as toxic plants by the ASPCA or other poison control databases. In fact, Drosera species have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. While the sticky mucilage on the leaves may cause minor irritation if ingested in large quantities, the plant poses no serious risk. However, keep it away from curious pets to protect the delicate traps from damage.

Drosera chrysolepis produces tall flower stalks that can reach twice the height of the plant itself. The inflorescence is covered with long hairs and bears attractive flowers up to 1 cm across with pale pink to white petals. Flowers are self-fertile and can produce viable seeds without cross-pollination. Healthy, well-lit plants will bloom during the growing season. After flowering, seeds can be collected when the seed pods dry and begin to open.

Drosera chrysolepis is one of the larger stem-forming sundews, reaching heights of 5-46 cm tall on distinctive elongated stems that thicken toward the apex. The plant develops a unique palm-like growth habit with 3-13 functional leaves maintained at a time. Leaf petioles measure up to 45 mm. The silvery-white hairs covering the stems and leaves create an attractive appearance. Growth rate is slow, typical of carnivorous plants, with plants living indefinitely when properly cared for.

Drosera chrysolepis is endemic to Brazil, occurring in the eastern highlands from southern Bahia to Minas Gerais. It grows in campo rupestre vegetation—the distinctive rocky grasslands of the Brazilian highlands characterized by sandstone outcrops and quartzite mountains. The species inhabits quartz sand seeps, fine sandy soil with humus, and boggy areas at higher elevations. Minas Gerais is the center of Drosera diversity in Brazil, hosting 21 species.

Repot Drosera chrysolepis every 3-5 years, or when the plant outgrows its container or the substrate breaks down. Use plastic pots (not terracotta, which can leach minerals) with drainage holes. Repot carefully as the roots are delicate. The best time is during active growth in spring. Always use fresh, nutrient-free substrate—peat moss mixed with perlite and silica sand works well. Ensure the new pot is thoroughly rinsed with distilled water before use.

Drosera chrysolepis may experience a semi-dormant period during the late dry season when it can lose some or all of its leaves—this is normal. During this time, reduce watering slightly but never let the soil dry completely. Keep conditions somewhat cooler and drier than summer. The plant will regrow leaves when conditions improve. Unlike temperate sundews, this tropical species does not require cold dormancy but benefits from slightly reduced winter temperatures and light.

Drosera chrysolepis is relatively resistant to pests since it captures and digests small insects. However, aphids can occasionally infest flower stalks, and fungus gnats may attack roots in overly wet conditions. Root rot can occur if the substrate stays too soggy or decomposes. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Avoid pesticides, which can harm the plant—manual removal or gentle water sprays work best for pest control. Healthy plants with good light and proper watering are most resistant to problems.

While Drosera chrysolepis specifically has not been documented for medicinal use, the genus Drosera has a long history in traditional medicine. European sundew species have been used since the 12th century to treat respiratory conditions including whooping cough, bronchitis, and asthma. The plants contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antibiotic properties. Sundew extracts are still used in some European herbal preparations for cough relief. However, wild sundews should never be harvested due to conservation concerns.