Scientific Name: Drosera filiformis var. tracyi 'Red'

Also known as: Red Thread-leaf Sundew, Red Tracy’s Sundew

Origin: A cultivated variant of Drosera filiformis var. tracyi, originally from the southeastern United States. Selected for its intense red pigmentation and tall, elegant growth.

Drosera filiformis var. tracyi 'Red' is a tall, temperate sundew with long, thread-like leaves that are fully flushed in deep red when grown under strong light. Each leaf is lined with hundreds of sticky, glistening glandular hairs that trap and digest flying insects like gnats and mosquitoes. The red form is especially eye-catching and thrives in outdoor bog setups or sunny windows with proper dormancy. This variety is ideal for those wanting both function and dramatic form in their carnivorous plant collection.

Growing Requirements

Light: Full sun or strong artificial lighting (5000–6500K). Requires high light to maintain red pigmentation.

Water: Use only distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis (RO) water.

Watering:

• Active growth: Keep soil consistently wet. Ideal to sit in a tray of water.

• Dormant phase (winter): Reduce watering slightly. Keep soil just moist around the hibernaculum.

Humidity: 50–80% preferred. Performs well in both open-air and greenhouse/bog environments.

Temperature: Best in 15–28°C during the growing season. Requires cooler temperatures (5–10°C) during winter dormancy.

Feeding: Naturally traps flying insects. Indoors, feed monthly with small amounts of dried bloodworms or fish flakes.

Dormancy: Yes—dies back in winter to a resting bud (hibernaculum). Resume full watering and light in spring when new growth begins.

What’s Included

Plant: Small 1-2xm and green or just beginning to colour up at this stage. With time and proper lighting, it will develop its full red coloration and grow upright to 20–30 cm tall at maturity.

Grow Cup: 5 cm clear plastic cup with ventilated lid to maintain humidity. Top layer includes moss or sterile medium to protect delicate growth.

Medium: Low-nutrient, peat-based carnivorous plant mix—moisture-retentive and well-draining.

Instructions: Step-by-step planting and care guide included.

Beginner Tips

• Do not skip dormancy—this plant requires a winter rest to thrive long-term.

• Keep soil wet in summer—it prefers standing water during its active growing phase.

• Provide strong light—essential for deep red colouration and healthy leaf production.