Source: Wikimedia Commons
Drosera natalensis
BeginnerDrosera natalensis
A small rosette-forming sundew with wedge- to spoon-shaped leaves about 2 cm long lying at ground level. Wiry flower stalks reach about 25 cm. Native to swamps of South Africa and Madagascar.
About
Drosera natalensis is a perennial sundew described by L. Diels in 1906. It grows in swamps in South Africa (the Cape, Natal and Transvaal) and Madagascar. It is a small species forming a ground-level rosette from a very short stem, with several long, thin roots. The leaves are nearly stalkless, with wedge- to spoon-shaped, slightly hairy blades about 2 cm long and 5 mm wide. The stipules at the leaf bases are fringed at the tip and rusty red. Wiry, upright flower stalks lengthen to about 25 cm during flowering and bear up to about 10 flowers, which are said to open only rarely; the petals are pink, white or lilac and about 5 mm long. It closely resembles other small rosette sundews from South Africa, and unlabelled plants are hard to identify by eye. In Japan it is sold by specialist nurseries, online shops and auctions. It can be grown as an easy subtropical sundew without dormancy: moist soil on a water tray and bright light are enough, and it can be propagated from leaf cuttings.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Drosera natalensis
The Drosera natalensis grows to Small rosette with leaves about 2 cm long (flower stalks about 25 cm).
Temperature & humidity for the Drosera natalensis
The ideal temperature for the Drosera natalensis is 10〜35℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South Africa (Cape, Natal, Transvaal) and Madagascar
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Small rosette with leaves about 2 cm long (flower stalks about 25 cm)
Temperature
10〜35℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
No fertilizer (catches small insects)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow in bright light; windowsills are often too dim, so a greenhouse or LED lights suit it.
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist on a water tray with pure or rain water; if it dries out the leaves stop producing dew.
Temperature & Overwintering
Subtropical sundews grow at about 10-35°C and need no dormancy; keep above 10°C in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Grows in pure sphagnum or a peat-sand mix; repot roughly every 3-5 years.
Propagation
Propagate from leaf or root cuttings. If sowing seed, sow on the surface without covering.
Drosera natalensis FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Drosera natalensis?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Drosera natalensis?
The ideal temperature for Drosera natalensis is 10〜35℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Drosera natalensis get?
The mature size of Drosera natalensis is Small rosette with leaves about 2 cm long (flower stalks about 25 cm). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Drosera natalensis?
Drosera natalensis: watering & fertilizer — No fertilizer (catches small insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Drosera natalensis?
The price of Drosera natalensis varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 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 natalensis Diels
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Drosera natalensis Diels
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed under CITES. Because the genus Drosera includes a designated Invasive Alien Species in Japan (D. intermedia), any Drosera imported into Japan must be accompanied by a species-name certificate. No paperwork is needed to buy or grow plants already in domestic trade.
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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