Drosera burmanni
tropical sundew
Tropical Asia and northern Australia
Overview
Drosera burmanni is a small rosette-forming carnivorous annual or short-lived perennial 0.8-2 inches (2-5 cm) across. The flat rosette holds 15-30 wedge-shaped leaves, each 0.2-0.5 inch (5-13 mm) long, edged with long marginal tentacles tipped in sticky mucilage. The marginal tentacles fold over trapped insects within seconds, faster than most sundews. Leaf colour ranges from green to deep red under strong light. Slender flower scapes 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall carry small white flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across, opening a few at a time. The plant sets seed prolifically and often completes its life cycle within a single growing season, dying after flowering. In cultivation it self-sows freely, with seedlings appearing across the surrounding soil surface. Plants are low and readily shaded by taller vegetation. Growth is rapid in warm, wet, bright conditions, with rosettes reaching full size in 8-12 weeks from germination.
Native Range
Native across tropical Asia and northern Australia, from India and southern China through Southeast Asia to the Northern Territory and Queensland. Grows in open, seasonally wet sandy or peaty ground, including pond margins, seepage areas, and disturbed wet sites at low elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in carnivorous-plant collections, terrariums, and bog gardens in shallow pots from 3 inches (8 cm) deep. Suited to warm, bright windowsills and heated greenhouses where it self-sows. The annual habit leaves gaps as old plants die, unlike perennial rosette sundews.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1" - 2"
Bloom Information
Flowers through the warm wet season, mainly December to April in northern Australia and at varying times elsewhere in the tropics. Individual flowers open for part of a day, and a scape flowers in sequence over 2-4 weeks. Plants frequently flower within 8-10 weeks of germination.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in constantly wet, low-nutrient sandy or peaty soil with the pot standing in 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) of rainwater or distilled water during active growth. Mineral-rich tap water and fertiliser scorch the roots, as the plant draws nutrients from trapped insects. Strong light yields compact red rosettes, while weak light produces flat green plants that trap fewer insects. Warmth above 70°F (21°C) sustains continuous growth, while cool conditions slow the plant and shorten its life. Because most plants die after setting seed, fresh seed is sown to maintain a collection. Damping-off fungus affects seedlings in stagnant, overly humid conditions.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent flower scapes and dead leaves can be removed once brown to reduce mould on the wet soil. Seed capsules are left to ripen and scatter where replacement seedlings are wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Spring, surface-sown once temperatures rise above 70°F (21°C)
Days to Maturity
56–84 days
Plant Spacing
2 inches