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Drosera × obovata (Drosera × obovata)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Drosera × obovata

Intermediate

Drosera × obovata

A natural hybrid of the round-leaved sundew and the great sundew, with spoon-shaped leaves intermediate between its parents. It is sterile and must be propagated by division or leaf cuttings. It occurs in Japan in bogs where both parents grow together.

Growing Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
10〜30℃
Lifespan
Perennial (winters as a dormant bud)
Size
Few published measurements (intermediate between the parents)
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering
No fertilizer (catches small insects)

About

Drosera × obovata is the natural hybrid between the round-leaved sundew (D. rotundifolia) and the great sundew (D. anglica). The Japanese name means 'spoon-leaved sundew', after its leaves, which are intermediate between the parents. It is found in bogs in Europe and elsewhere, and in Japan it is known as an intermediate hybrid where both parents grow together. According to the International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS) growing guide, the cold-temperate sundews of North America, Europe and northern Asia hybridise readily, and their hybrids are sterile, so they must be propagated by division or leaf cuttings. Both parents need a definite winter and spend about half the year as dormant winter buds (hibernacula), and this hybrid is grown the same way. GBIF lists it as Drosera obovata at species rank. In Japan nursery-propagated plants appear at online auctions; wild bogs are often protected, so avoid wild-collected plants and buy propagated stock. Because its parents dislike heat, getting it through summer is the main challenge in warm regions.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Basic Info

Origin

Bogs where both parents grow together (Japan, Europe and elsewhere)

Lifespan

Perennial (winters as a dormant bud)

Size

Few published measurements (intermediate between the parents)

Temperature

10〜30℃

Humidity

60〜90%

Watering & Fertilizer

No fertilizer (catches small insects)

Growing Tips

Light & Placement

Grow outdoors in good light; cold-temperate sundews do best outside where they sense the seasons.

Watering

Keep the soil constantly moist on a tray of pure or rain water.

Dormancy Care

Both parents need winter and spend about half the year as winter buds. Let it go dormant in the outdoor cold rather than keeping it warm indoors.

Temperature & Overwintering

With heat-shy parents, protect it from summer heat and stuffiness in warm regions; keep pots cool in airy light shade in summer.

Propagation

It is sterile, so propagate by division or leaf cuttings.

Pests & Cautions

Wild bogs are often protected; never collect wild plants and buy only propagated stock.

CarnivorousSundewNative to JapanNatural hybridCold temperate

Drosera × obovata FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Drosera × obovata?
A

Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.

QHow should I water and fertilize Drosera × obovata?
A

Drosera × obovata: watering & fertilizer — No fertilizer (catches small insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Drosera × obovata?
A

The price of Drosera × obovata 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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Drosera × obovata Mert. & Koch

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Drosera obovata Mert. & Koch

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

It also grows wild in Japan. It is not a nationally designated rare species, but many bog habitats are protected by park rules or local ordinances, so buy only nursery-propagated plants. 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.

Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Invasive Alien Species (Drosera requires a species-name certificate on import)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

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