That’s…pretty much it. They must be kept in non-porous pots and trays (glass or plastic), water TDS must be below 50 ppm and keep water in the tray constantly. They will even bloom with gorgeous little flowers. No fertilizer ever, just bugs.
I can’t emphasize enough a sunny spot. This window faces southwest and so it gets 8 hours of direct sun. This helps with growth and also makes the mucus shine which seems to attract the bugs.
Can I ask why they need to be plastic pots and trays? I have mine in a glass tray and they aren’t doing well so this could help.
Glass is fine too. They’re very sensitive to mineral buildup so terracotta , stone, etc will harm them over time.
I’ve thought about doing that so thanks for the tip!
I have mine in a terra cotta pot in a plastic tray and it’s doing great. Are you only watering with distilled water? Tap water will kill it over time. It also needs to stay wet at all times, and it needs lots of sun
I am, and I have them under a grow light but their leaves have been turning black. I think I’m just frying it with the direct sun that comes through the window, but I’ve blocked that so hopefully they turn around.
I’m not sure what else could be turning the leaves that black color before they even mature, but if you had any tips that’d be great. Hopefully closing the blinds on that window are all I need to do.
They can take the sun, I’d look at your water. Distilled or reverse osmosis water only, TDS should be below 50. You can get a cheap TDS meter for under $20 if you’re not sure.
I’d stay away from terracotta long term but if it’s working for you, play ball.
Why no terra cotta? It’s pretty high quality and isn’t leaching minerals or anything.
It does leach minerals over time. Sundew seem to be less picky than some other carnivores in this respect, I’m just passing on what works for me. The worst possible outcome of choosing the wrong material is ya kill a $14 plant so it’s pretty low stakes.
Well I’ve got several large drosera and a ruby red flytrap in the same pot that have all been doing well for a long time. It’s a high quality pot that’s wide and shallow
I’ve seen a pot like that was a prefilled carnivorous garden, and the inside of the pot was glazed.