Care Sheet for Drosera cuneifolia (House Plant and Terrarium)
Drosera cuneifolia, a beautiful and hardy South African sundew, thrives in both house plant and terrarium setups. Its spoon-shaped leaves are covered in sticky glandular hairs that trap and digest small insects. Below is a comprehensive guide to caring for Drosera cuneifolia.
 
House Plant Care
1. Light Requirements
Ideal Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. Place near a window with filtered light or use grow lights with a full spectrum for 12-16 hours daily.
Avoid: Direct, harsh sunlight, which can cause leaf burn, or too much shade that may reduce growth and dew production.
2. Watering
Method: Use the tray method, where you place the pot in a shallow tray filled with distilled or rainwater.
Water Quality: Only use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup. Drosera species are highly sensitive to minerals.
Frequency: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Let the water tray dry out occasionally, but never allow the soil to dry completely.
3. Humidity
Recommended Humidity: Moderate (50% or higher).
Tips: If humidity is too low in your home, consider using a humidity tray or mist the air around the plant (not the plant itself). However, misting is not typically required.
4. Temperature
Optimal Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Tolerance: Can tolerate brief periods outside this range, but avoid extreme cold or heat. Protect from temperatures below 40°F (5°C).
5. Soil
Medium: Use a 1:1 mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or silica sand. Avoid nutrient-rich soils, as these can harm the plant.
Pot Size: Use a small, well-draining plastic or glazed pot to maintain moisture while preventing root rot.
6. Feeding
Insect Diet: Drosera cuneifolia catches and digests small insects like gnats, fruit flies, and ants. Outdoors or in a room with windows open, the plant can catch its own prey.
Supplement Feeding: If indoors, you can feed it live insects or freeze-dried bloodworms once or twice a month. Avoid overfeeding or using fertilizers.
7. Dormancy
Seasonal Growth: Drosera cuneifolia does not have a strict dormancy period but may slow down in growth during colder months. Reduce watering slightly during this time.
 
Terrarium Care
1. Lighting
Lighting Setup: Provide bright artificial lighting, ideally using LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs for 12-14 hours a day. The plant prefers light near the top of the terrarium, as the bottom of the enclosure may not provide enough light.
Placement: Position the terrarium in a spot where it can still receive natural, indirect sunlight for an extra light boost.
2. Humidity
High Humidity: Drosera cuneifolia thrives in a humid environment, with levels around 60-80%. A closed terrarium will naturally maintain higher humidity levels.
Air Circulation: Ensure some ventilation to prevent mold or mildew buildup. Small air holes or a fan may be necessary if the terrarium is sealed.
3. Temperature
Consistent Warmth: Maintain temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C) in the terrarium. Avoid placing the terrarium in direct sunlight, as it can cause overheating.
4. Watering
Terrarium Watering: Keep the soil damp by regularly misting the substrate with distilled water. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Water Quality: Only use distilled or rainwater.
5. Substrate
Recommended Substrate: Similar to house plant care, use a mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or sand. Ensure that the terrarium has good drainage by adding a layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom, covered with a mesh screen to prevent substrate from clogging the water.
6. Feeding in Terrarium
Prey Availability: You can release small insects like fruit flies or wingless Drosophila into the terrarium for the sundew to capture.
Manual Feeding: Feed dried insects (rehydrated with water) if prey is not available.
7. Maintenance
Pruning: Remove dead leaves to prevent mold and keep the terrarium clean. Ensure proper air circulation and humidity balance to avoid issues with mold or fungus.
Additional Tips
Repotting: Drosera cuneifolia doesn't require frequent repotting but can be done every couple of years if the soil becomes compacted or depleted.
Pests: Watch for pests like aphids or spider mites, especially in terrarium setups. Use insecticidal soap sparingly, as chemicals can harm the plant.
 
By following these care guidelines, Drosera cuneifolia can thrive and reward you with its stunning, insect-catching leaves, whether grown as a house plant or in a terrarium!