Scientific Name: Drosera pauciflora

Also known as: African Sundew, Few-Flowered Sundew

Origin: Native to the winter-rainfall regions of the Western Cape in South Africa. Grows in nutrient-poor, sandy soils with seasonal moisture and cool, bright conditions.

Drosera pauciflora is a beautiful and rare South African sundew that forms a compact rosette of elongated, paddle-shaped leaves coated in sparkling, sticky glands used to trap and digest small insects. The species is best known for its showy pink to violet flowers and its cool-season growth cycle, thriving in autumn to spring and going dormant in summer. Its name, "pauciflora," refers to its tendency to produce only a few large, striking flowers rather than many small ones. It is a rewarding species for experienced growers who can meet its seasonal needs.

Growing Requirements

Light: Bright indirect light to full sun. Strong artificial lighting (5000–6500K) also suitable during active growth.

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

Watering:

• Active growth (autumn to spring): Keep soil consistently moist. A shallow tray of water is beneficial.

• Dormant phase (summer): Remove from standing water and allow the soil to dry out slightly. Water sparingly.

Humidity: 50–80% preferred. Suitable for open-air or cool greenhouse conditions with good airflow.

Temperature: Cool-growing species. Ideal range is 10–22°C. Protect from excessive summer heat and frost.

Feeding: Traps small insects naturally. Indoors, feed lightly with dried bloodworms or fish flakes every few weeks during active growth.

Dormancy: Yes—enters a summer dormancy when conditions become hot and dry. The plant may retreat to a resting bud (hibernaculum) and regrow in autumn.

What’s Included

Plant: Small and possibly just emerging from dormancy. With cooler conditions and proper care, it will develop its full sticky-leaved rosette and may produce flowers. Mature size ranges from 3–6 cm across.

Grow Cup: 5 cm clear plastic cup with ventilated lid to maintain humidity during transit. Includes a protective top layer of moss or sterile medium.

Medium: Specialised low-nutrient carnivorous plant mix—moisture-retentive and well-draining to support seasonal moisture shifts.

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

Beginner Tips

• Mimic the seasons—cool, wet winters and dry, warm summers are essential to long-term health.

• Do not overwater in summer—allow it to go dormant and rest.

• Only use mineral-free water—tap water may cause salt buildup and root damage.