Drosera rotundifolia aka Round Leaf Sundew

Drosera rotundifolia is the round-leaved sundew. It eats insects and lives for more than one year. It belongs to Droseraceae, the sundew family. Its native range covers mild and subarctic parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It also grows on Mindanao in the Philippines and in western New Guinea. It grows wild in Britain and Ireland. Its wet sites include bogs and damp peat soils with few nutrients. Plants sometimes grow at the edges of small ponds.

The plant forms a low rosette, a ring of round leaves. It grows slowly, with leaves spread close to the ground. NC State gives heights of 0.17–0.83 feet [0.05–0.25 metres]. It lists spreads of 0.33–0.5 feet [0.10–0.15 metres]. RHS gives wider ranges for both height and spread. These reach 1.64 feet [0.5 metres]. The leaves may be green or reddish. Red hairs with glands cover the tops of the leaves. They bear sticky drops that trap small insects. These insects give the plant nutrients. Flat, hairy leaf stalks spread out from the plant. They may look green or red.

Thin flower stems rise above the leaves in summer. Each stem starts curled, then opens as the flowers bloom. The small flowers range from white to pink. Each has about five petals. They grow in a curved group on one side of the stem. NC State gives the bloom season as June to September. The fruits are capsules that hold many tiny, pale brown seeds. They appear from July to October.

Grow this sundew in an acidic mix with few nutrients. RHS suggests equal parts peat substitute and sand, with no added fertiliser. NC State supports full sun and some shade. Under glass, RHS advises shelter from hot midday sun. For bog gardens, it suggests bright sites out of direct sun. Keep the mix moist to wet while the plant grows. Use rainwater or distilled water, and do not add fertiliser. Let it rest in winter, with the mix just moist. Do not leave pots standing in water while plants rest. Listed hardiness ratings are USDA zones 3–8 and RHS H5.

The plant suits bog gardens, troughs, pots, and native gardens. It also suits indoor growing with the right wet conditions. RHS reports few pests or diseases and no need to prune. PFAF records herbal use for coughs and problems with breathing. It also notes use of plant juice or leaves to curdle plant milk. PFAF lists no known hazards, but this does not prove pet safety. It advises against taking wild plants for herbal use.