
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Drosera slackii
BeginnerDrosera slackii
A sundew from the Cape region of South Africa forming rosettes 5-10 cm across of spoon- to heart-shaped leaves, with pink flowers. Named after the British carnivorous-plant author Adrian Slack, it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
About
Drosera slackii is a perennial sundew native to the Cape region of South Africa. It was described in 1987 by M. Cheek in the Kew Bulletin, and the name honours the British horticulturist Adrian Slack (1933-2018), known for his books on growing carnivorous plants. It forms ground-level rosettes about 5-10 cm across of spoon- to nearly heart-shaped leaves, and bears pink flowers. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, marking it as an easy and ornamental sundew. Many similar rosette sundews come from South Africa, and unlabelled plants are hard to identify by eye, so buy plants sold under the scientific name. In Japan it appears regularly at online auctions. Care is as for other rosette sundews: bright light, tray watering with pure water, and soil without fertilizer. Declining plants can be renewed from root or leaf cuttings, which reach size faster than seedlings, and repotting into fresh soil every few years keeps it going.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Drosera slackii
The Drosera slackii grows to Rosettes 5-10 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
South Africa (Cape region)
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Rosettes 5-10 cm across
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
No fertilizer (catches small insects)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright light keeps the rosette compact; windowsills are often too dim, so a greenhouse or LEDs suit it.
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist on a tray of pure or rain water.
Soil & Repotting
Grows in pure sphagnum or a peat-sand mix without fertilizer; repot every 3-5 years.
Propagation
Propagate from root or leaf cuttings; sow seed on the surface without covering.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer in the soil; if feeding, place small insects on dewy leaves.
Drosera slackii FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Drosera slackii?
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.
QHow large does Drosera slackii get?
The mature size of Drosera slackii is Rosettes 5-10 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Drosera slackii?
Drosera slackii: watering & fertilizer — No fertilizer (catches small insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Drosera slackii?
The price of Drosera slackii 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 slackii Cheek
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Drosera slackii Cheek
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.
Find listings for this species
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