Stenopetala sundew Plant Care

Drosera stenopetala Hook.f.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Drosera stenopetala is a carnivorous plant known for its long, slender leaves covered in sticky hairs that trap insects. This unique feature helps the plant obtain nutrients in nutrient-poor soil. Native to Western Australia, it thrives in sunny, boggy habitats.

Water

Every 2–4 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Stenopetala sundew?

Water Stenopetala sundew every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Stenopetala sundew Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Stenopetala sundew?

Stenopetala sundew (Drosera stenopetala) belongs to the Droseraceae family within the Drosera genus. Stenopetala sundew is native to New Zealand.

Stenopetala sundew displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Stenopetala sundew produces small, delicate white or pink flowers on tall stalks.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Stenopetala sundew?

Drosera stenopetala requires watering every 2–4 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 2–4 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Stenopetala sundew Need?

Stenopetala sundew thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stenopetala sundew Prefer?

Drosera stenopetala grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Stenopetala sundew prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stenopetala sundew?

Nutrient-poor, acidic soil with high organic matter content like sphagnum moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Stenopetala sundew to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Stenopetala sundew?

Feed Stenopetala sundew every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every month

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Stenopetala sundew?

Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Stenopetala sundew?

Stenopetala sundew can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape sundew plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Stenopetala sundew Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Stenopetala sundew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stenopetala sundew?

Stenopetala sundew is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stenopetala sundew Need?

Stenopetala sundew grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Stenopetala sundew is native to New Zealand.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 8a – 9b

Keep exploring plants

Stenopetala sundew is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Drosera genus — compare its care with other Drosera species on PlantoScan.

Drosera is part of the Droseraceae plant family — browse all Droseraceae genera and species.

Stenopetala sundew thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Drosera Species

Other Drosera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Drosera stenopetala Hook.f., family Droseraceae (first published in Fl. Nov.-Zel. 1: 19 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Stenopetala sundew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Stenopetala sundew Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species