Drosera pulchella

Drosera pulchella is small, but it brings a big dose of charm to any carnivorous plant collection. Native to southwestern Australia, this pygmy sundew forms compact rosettes of jewel-like leaves covered in glistening mucilage that traps tiny insects.  

This species stays petite, usually under an inch across, making it perfect for small-space growing, terrariums, or grouped in shallow trays with other pygmy Drosera. In ideal conditions, it can produce delicate pink-to-white flowers and even gemmae—tiny vegetative propagules that appear like little green scales at the center of the rosette in cooler seasons. These gemmae can be gently harvested and planted to produce new plants.

D. pulchella prefers bright light (even full sun), high humidity, and consistently moist conditions. Rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water is essential—tap water will damage or kill the roots over time. Like most carnivorous plants, it thrives in nutrient-poor soil and should never be fertilized conventionally. A mix of sphagnum peat and perlite or sand (no added fertilizers) works best.

Care at a Glance

• Light: Bright indirect to full sun (south-facing window or grow light recommended)

• Water: Keep consistently moist with distilled, rain, or RO water—tray method is ideal

• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix—peat and perlite or silica sand (no fertilizer)

• Humidity: High humidity preferred, especially indoors

• Growth Habit: Miniature rosette with sparkling dew-covered leaves

• Propagation: Via gemmae in winter or early spring

Perfect for windowsill growers, terrarium lovers, or anyone enchanted by tiny botanical oddities, Drosera pulchella is an easy-to-love carnivorous plant that rewards close observation and gentle care. It’s low-growing, low-maintenance, and highly addictive—once you grow one, it’s hard to stop.