Alice Sundew (Drosera aliciae)

The Alice Sundew is a sub-tropical carnivorous plant native to South Africa, and one of the more rewarding Drosera species to keep. This small specimen is well suited to terrariums, windowsill displays, or as a functional addition to a bioactive vivarium where flying insects are a genuine concern.

Light and Seasonal Care

During summer, Alice Sundews need bright, direct sunlight — a south-facing windowsill or an outdoor spot works well. As temperatures drop in winter, move the plant to a greenhouse or sheltered indoor position to carry it through its dormancy period safely.

Watering Requirements

Carnivorous plants are intolerant of minerals found in most tap water. Use rainwater or reverse osmosis (RO) water, unless your tap supply tests below 50ppm. As a naturally bog-dwelling species, Drosera must be kept standing in a tray of water during the growing season — in winter, ease back to keeping the substrate damp rather than wet.

Soil and Potting

Alice Sundews require nutrient-poor growing media. An equal mix of peat moss and perlite is well suited to this species and to carnivorous plants in general. Avoid standard potting compost or anything enriched with fertiliser — it will harm the plant.

Feeding

Carnivorous plants are highly capable hunters in their own right. A healthy Drosera will trap and digest a notable quantity of flying insects without any intervention from the keeper. Supplemental feeding is rarely necessary and should not be a routine practice.

A genuinely useful plant for bioactive setups or as a standalone specimen, the ProRep Alice Sundew brings both function and character to any keeper's collection.