How to Transplant Sundews

Sundews earn their name from the glistening dew they secrete to attract their insect prey. The leaves spread out from the crown of the plant. Each is covered with glands that trap the insects when they come to investigate the dew drops. As the insect struggles it becomes more trapped until it finally dies and the plant begins to digest it. Sundews come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, making them an attractive choice for transplanting into an indoor terrarium.

Things You'll Need

Terrarium, fishbowl or jar
Coarse sand

Peat moss
Sphagnum moss

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a terrarium with a three-inch layer of coarse sand. Alternatively, use a fishbowl or a wide-mouthed jar large enough to hold the sundew.
- 2
  Cover the sand with a two-inch layer of wet peat moss. Sprinkle moistened sphagnum moss on top of the peat to a depth of two inches.
- 3
  Lift the sundew out of its nursery pot, taking care not to break or damage the leaves. Leave as much soil attached to the root ball as possible.
- 4
  Plant the sundew in the prepared terrarium soil at the same depth it was growing at previously. Firm the peat around the base of the plant gently with your fingertips.
- 5
  Set the terrarium in a warm area that gets eight to nine hours of sunlight. Alternatively, place the terrarium beneath a fluorescent grow light and leave it on for 18 hours a day in summer, and 15 hours daily in winter when the sundew is semi-dormant.
- 6
  Water the soil in the terrarium as necessary so it never dries out. Sundews require moist soil and air at all times. Partially cover the top of the terrarium with plastic to help retain moisture in the air, but leave a portion vented to provide air circulation and to prevent the inside of the terrarium from overheating.

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