Paradox Sundew • Standard Care Guide

Care overview

A warm-growing petiolaris-complex sundew. Ordinary leaf and root cuttings are unreliable. Keep very warm and bright during active growth; if it forms a resting rosette, reduce standing water but do not let the roots desiccate.

Light

Extremely bright light, strong grow lights or carefully acclimatised direct sun. Insufficient light causes weak, green growth and poor dew production.

Watering

Keep wet with rainwater, distilled water or RO water during active warm growth. If growth slows and the plant forms a tighter resting rosette, lower the tray level and keep the substrate only lightly moist rather than permanently flooded.

Humidity

High humidity during active growth, combined with warmth and airflow.

Temperature

22–35°C

Feeding and fertiliser

Do not fertilise the substrate. Allow the plant to catch insects naturally; use only species-appropriate foliar or pitcher feeding if ever needed.

Potting mix

Use a sandy, nutrient-free carnivorous plant mix. Keep warm and brightly lit, using only rainwater, distilled water or RO water.

Propagation

Seed, division, and occasional leaf pullings

Support

Compact upright rosette on a short stem. No support required.

Mature size

Most rosettes remain compact at roughly 5–20 cm across, while forked or climbing sundews may produce taller foliage and flower stems.

Semi-hydro suitability

Suitability depends on the plant, root condition and the chosen semi-hydro system.

Dormancy and winter growth

Growth may slow considerably in cooler or less suitable conditions. Keep warmth and light stable, and adjust moisture to the plant's active growth rather than forcing continuous growth.

About this plant

Paradox Sundew (Drosera paradoxa) is held in the Snip & Sprout permanent collection and propagated in small batches when suitable parent growth is available.

Crown, rhizome or root decline

Likely cause

Causes vary by genus and can include unsuitable moisture, poor aeration, heat, cold, damaged tissue and disease.

What to do

Inspect the affected plant and correct conditions according to the genus rather than applying one watering rule to all carnivorous plants.

Mineral or fertiliser damage

Likely cause

Many commonly grown carnivorous plants are adapted to nutrient-poor conditions and can be damaged by mineral-rich water, unsuitable compost or inappropriate fertiliser use.

What to do

Use water and growing media recommended for the genus. Rainwater, distilled water or other suitably low-mineral water is appropriate for many commonly grown types.

Poor growth

Likely cause

Insufficient light, unsuitable water, the wrong growing medium, incorrect moisture or a normal dormancy period can all reduce growth.

What to do

Check the requirements of the genus and species. Carnivorous plants do not all share the same moisture, temperature or dormancy needs.

Does Paradox Sundew go dormant in winter?

Growth may slow considerably in cooler or less suitable conditions. Keep warmth and light stable, and adjust moisture to the plant's active growth rather than forcing continuous growth.

How large can Paradox Sundew grow indoors?

Most rosettes remain compact at roughly 5–20 cm across, while forked or climbing sundews may produce taller foliage and flower stems.

What water should I use?

Use rainwater, distilled water or reverse-osmosis water unless the individual care guidance states otherwise. Mineral-rich tap water can damage many carnivorous plants over time.