Source: Wikimedia Commons
Drosera Indica
IntermediateDrosera indica
A tall sundew native to Japan as well, but wild populations have drastically declined.
About
Drosera indica is a widely distributed annual sundew of tropical and subtropical regions, occurring across Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and—historically—the southern Ryukyu Islands and southern Kyushu of Japan. Unlike the basal-rosette habit of most sundews, it grows as an erect, branching herb with alternately arranged leaves, giving it a distinctive appearance among its relatives. In Japan, it once inhabited moist sandy soils and fallow rice paddies in the Ryukyu Islands, but wild populations have declined drastically and it is now considered endangered there. As an annual, it completes its life cycle within a season; seeds collected in autumn are sown the following spring.
Lifespan of the Drosera Indica
The Drosera Indica lives 1 year (annual).
Size of the Drosera Indica
The Drosera Indica grows to 15-30cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Drosera Indica
The ideal temperature for the Drosera Indica is 25〜35℃.
Cultivation requires warm temperatures (25–35°C), high humidity, nutrient-poor sphagnum media, and tray watering with pure or rainwater.
Basic Info
Origin
Tropical to subtropical regions of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands), moist sandy habitats
Lifespan
1 year (annual)
Size
15-30cm
Temperature
25〜35℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Insects (auto-capture)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It loves strong direct sun. The stem grows upright to 15-30 cm, so place it in a sunny spot.
Watering
Keep the medium constantly moist with tray watering, using purified water or rainwater. Never let it dry out while growing.
Temperature & Overwintering
It prefers warmth (25-35°C) and is sensitive to cold. Overwinter it indoors or renew it from seed as an annual.
Soil & Repotting
Plant in moist sphagnum alone or a peat moss and perlite mix. As an annual it generally needs no repotting.
Propagation
Treat it as an annual: collect seed in autumn and sow the following spring. Raising from seed is the reliable method.
Drosera Indica FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Drosera Indica?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Drosera Indica?
The ideal temperature for Drosera Indica is 25〜35℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Drosera Indica?
The average lifespan of Drosera Indica is 1 year (annual). With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Drosera Indica get?
The mature size of Drosera Indica is 15-30cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Drosera Indica?
Drosera Indica: watering & fertilizer — Insects (auto-capture). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Drosera Indica?
The price of Drosera Indica varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: August 31, 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 indica L.
Synonyms: Drosera indica var. makinoi (Masam.) Tamura, Drosera hexagynia Blanco, Drosera indica var. alba S.A.Parandekar & M.G.Diwan, Drosera indica f. albiflora Makino, Drosera indica var. albiflora (Makino) Makino, Drosera metziana Gand., Drosera minor Schumach. & Thonn., Drosera makinoi Masam.
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.