Source: Wikimedia Commons
Drosera Glanduligera
AdvancedDrosera glanduligera
An annual Australian sundew with both sticky tentacles and snap-tentacles that catapult prey in milliseconds.
About
Drosera glanduligera, the pimpernel sundew, is a small annual native to seasonally wet, sandy habitats of southern Australia. It is remarkable among sundews for possessing both conventional adhesive tentacles and specialized 'snap-tentacles'—elongated marginal tentacles that, upon insect contact, catapult the prey inward toward the sticky central tentacles in milliseconds, a motion that is among the fastest known in any carnivorous plant and unique within the genus Drosera. This active catapult mechanism dramatically increases prey capture efficiency. The plant is small (3–5 cm), completing its entire life cycle in a single growing season from autumn to spring before dying off in summer heat. Cultivation is considered challenging, requiring sandy, acidic nutrient-poor media, cool winter conditions, and careful watering.
Lifespan of the Drosera Glanduligera
The Drosera Glanduligera lives 1 year (annual).
Size of the Drosera Glanduligera
The Drosera Glanduligera grows to 3-5cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern Australia, seasonally wet sandy grasslands and heathlands
Lifespan
1 year (annual)
Size
3-5cm
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Insects (auto-capture)
Growing Tips
Watering
During the autumn-to-spring growing season keep the medium moist, using purified water or rainwater. Do not let it dry out while growing.
Temperature & Overwintering
A winter-growing annual that needs cool winter conditions. Do not keep it too warm in winter; grow it in a cool, bright place.
Soil & Repotting
Sow and grow it in a sandy, acidic medium. As an annual it is not repotted; keep it in the pot it was sown in.
Dormancy Care
It grows from autumn to spring and passes summer as seed. The plant dying in summer is normal; sow the collected seed again in autumn.
Propagation
It is renewed only from seed. Be sure to collect seed after flowering and sow it in sandy medium in autumn.
Pests & Cautions
It is considered difficult, and breaking its seasonal rhythm often leads to failure. Grow it cool in winter and let it rest as seed in summer.
Drosera Glanduligera FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Drosera Glanduligera?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QWhat is the lifespan of Drosera Glanduligera?
The average lifespan of Drosera Glanduligera is 1 year (annual). With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Drosera Glanduligera get?
The mature size of Drosera Glanduligera is 3-5cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Drosera Glanduligera?
Drosera Glanduligera: watering & fertilizer — Insects (auto-capture). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Drosera Glanduligera?
The price of Drosera Glanduligera varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Drosera glanduligera Lehm.
Synonyms: Drosera patellifera Planch.
Authority databases: GBIF · POWO · ICPS cultivar registration (International Carnivorous Plant Society)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
This genus is not listed in CITES Appendices (among carnivorous plants, only Nepenthes/Sarracenia/Dionaea are subject to CITES).
Sources: CITES Appendices (carnivorous plants) - ICPS/Barry Rice / CITES & Carnivorous Plant Checklist (RBG Kew)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Drosera (Sundew) Care Guide | Diverse Carnivorous Plants That Trap Insects with Sticky Secretions
Explanation of how to grow carnivorous Drosera (Sundew). We introduce the characteristics of beginner-friendly varieties such as Spatulata, Capensis, and Adelae, methods for water tray watering, light conditions, overwintering, and propagation through leaf cuttings.
Drosera Propagation Guide — Leaf Cuttings, Division & Seeds
Propagating sundews: leaf cutting technique, division method, seed sowing, and species-specific propagation recommendations.
Complete Guide to Sundew (Drosera) Cultivation | How to Bring Out the Beauty of Its Sticky Secretions
Explains varieties such as D. adelae and D. capensis, water-tray management, light requirements, and differences between temperate and tropical species.
Sundew Species and Cultivation Techniques | Bringing Out the Beauty of Mucilage
This article explains the characteristics of major sundew species and cultivation techniques (light, humidity, soil) for making mucilage shine beautifully.
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.