Scientific Name: Drosera filiformis var. tracyi

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

Origin: Native to the southeastern United States, particularly the Gulf Coast states, where it grows in sunny, wet, acidic bogs and sandy pine savannas.

Drosera filiformis var. tracyi is a tall, elegant sundew with long, slender, grass-like leaves that can grow up to 30 cm in length. Each leaf is covered in fine, red-tipped glands that shimmer with sticky mucilage, used to trap and digest flying insects. This variety is distinguished by its height and striking reddish coloration under strong light. As a temperate sundew, it undergoes a true winter dormancy, dying back to a resting bud and returning vigorously each spring.

Growing Requirements

Light: Full sun to bright artificial light (5000–6500K). Direct sunlight encourages upright growth and strong red colouration.

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

Watering:

• Active growth: Keep the soil wet and sit the pot in a shallow tray of water.

• Dormant phase (winter): Keep just damp—remove from standing water and maintain slightly moist soil around the dormant bud.

Humidity: 50–80% preferred. Tolerates outdoor conditions well in mild climates.

Temperature: Thrives in 15–28°C during the growing season. Requires a cool dormancy period around 5–10°C in winter.

Feeding: Naturally captures larger flying insects like mosquitoes and gnats. Indoors, feed monthly with crushed dried bloodworms or small live prey.

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

What’s Included

Plant: Small 1-2cm and just beginning to grow out of dormancy or still green at this stage. With time and strong light, it will produce tall, red, thread-like leaves. Mature size can reach up to 30 cm tall.

Grow Cup: 5 cm clear plastic cup with ventilated lid to maintain humidity. Top layer includes sphagnum moss or sterile medium for protection.

Medium: Nutrient-free, peat-based carnivorous plant soil—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 period to remain healthy long term.

• Use only mineral-free water—tap water can damage roots and cause mineral buildup.

• Give it room and light—the tall leaves need space and strong sun to thrive.