Drosera adelae — Lance Leaf Sundew
Meet the wonderfully weird Drosera adelae, also known as the Lance Leaf Sundew. Native to the humid rainforests of Queensland, Australia, this carnivorous plant catches tiny insects using its long, glossy leaves covered in sparkling sticky droplets. The “dew” looks beautiful in the light, but for fungus gnats and fruit flies it’s the end of the road.
Unlike some fussier carnivorous plants, Drosera adelae is surprisingly easygoing and great for beginners who want to try something a bit unusual. It slowly spreads over time by producing new plantlets from its roots, so a happy plant can eventually form a little colony.
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. A sunny windowsill works well, but avoid harsh direct midday sun which can scorch the leaves. Under good light the plant produces more of those signature sticky droplets.
Watering
This is a bog plant, so it likes consistently moist soil. Keep the pot sitting in a shallow tray of rainwater or distilled water so the soil never dries out. Avoid tap water if possible, as minerals can build up in the soil over time.
Temperature
Happy in normal household temperatures between 18–28°C. It enjoys humidity but is generally tolerant of typical indoor conditions.
Potting
Carnivorous plants need nutrient-poor soil. We recommend planting in plain sphagnum moss. Avoid standard houseplant compost and fertiliser.
Hot Tips
If fungus gnats are plaguing your houseplants, Drosera adelae can actually help catch them. Don’t worry about feeding it—if it’s near other plants it will usually catch plenty on its own. If the sticky droplets disappear, it’s usually a sign the plant wants a bit more light.
Pet Safety
Not considered toxic to pets, but best kept out of reach as the delicate leaves can be easily damaged.
