Round-Leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) Seeds

Round-Leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) is a small native carnivorous perennial of bogs and acidic wetlands, recognized by round leaves arranged in a compact rosette. Their surfaces carry reddish tentacles tipped with glistening mucilage that traps tiny insects. This adaptation allows the plant to obtain nutrients in extremely poor soil. During summer, slender flower stalks rise above the sticky foliage and carry small white to faintly pink flowers. The rosette generally spreads 3 to 8 cm, while the flowering stems may grow taller than 10 cm. Exceptionally cold hardy, this species naturally enters dormancy during Canadian winters and resumes growth in spring.

Round-Leaved Sundew requires a very acidic, nutrient-poor, unfertilized medium that remains constantly moist. A blend of plain sphagnum peat and silica sand is suitable, while ordinary potting soil, compost, and fertilizer must be avoided. Use only rainwater, distilled water, or demineralized water because minerals in hard tap water can damage the roots. Surface sow the seeds without covering them, then provide moist cold stratification. Bright light or full sun encourages stronger red colouring and abundant mucilage production. The medium must never dry out during active growth, and the plant should be allowed to experience a natural cool winter dormancy.

In the garden, Round-Leaved Sundew is ideal for constructed bog gardens, specialized containers, and collections of native carnivorous plants. It combines naturally with Purple Pitcher Plant, cranberry, cotton grass, and Sheep Laurel, which thrive in the same acidic, wet conditions. Its leaves mainly capture small gnats, mosquitoes, ants, and other lightweight invertebrates, although it should not be considered a complete insect-control solution. The plant is primarily valued for botanical, educational, and ecological interest. Never fertilize it or feed it meat, as Drosera rotundifolia obtains what it needs by capturing small prey when its natural habitat is reproduced accurately.