Drosera Adelae (Drosera adelae) — also commonly known as Adelae Sundew, Lance-Leaf Sundew, Queensland Sundew, and Sundew Plant — is a fascinating carnivorous plant native to tropical Queensland, Australia. This unusual species produces long, lance-shaped green leaves covered with tiny glandular hairs that glisten with sticky, dew-like droplets. These natural mucilage droplets help trap small insects, making Drosera Adelae an especially captivating addition to carnivorous plant collections.
Light Needs: Bright indirect light to partial sun. Provide several hours of bright filtered light or strong grow lighting each day. Avoid intense direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the foliage, particularly when grown indoors.
Difficulty Level: Moderate. Relatively forgiving for a carnivorous plant, but requires appropriate water quality, moisture, and nutrient-poor soil to thrive.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic. Generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The sticky digestive mucilage produced by the leaves is not considered poisonous.
Watering Needs: Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not stagnant. Use only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water to prevent mineral buildup around the roots. Do not allow the plant to dry out completely, as consistent moisture is important for healthy growth.
Soil Preference: Requires an acidic, nutrient-poor, moisture-retentive carnivorous plant mix. A combination of sphagnum peat moss and long-fiber sphagnum moss with pumice provides moisture retention while maintaining drainage and root aeration. Silica sand can also be used to improve drainage. Avoid standard potting soil, fertilizer, compost, Biochar, pine bark, coco coir, and other nutrient-rich amendments, as excess nutrients and minerals can damage the roots. Leca is generally unnecessary as a primary growing medium.
Drosera Adelae is prized for its unusual insect-catching foliage and attractive, dew-covered leaves. Unlike conventional houseplants, this tropical sundew obtains supplemental nutrients by trapping small insects on its sticky leaves, creating a fascinating natural display. Its elongated foliage and compact growth habit make it an excellent choice for carnivorous plant collections, botanical displays, and sunny indoor growing areas.
Disclaimer: The plant pictured may not be the exact plant you will receive, but it will be similar in size, shape, coloration, and overall appearance.
