Roundleaf Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) is one of the most widespread and fascinating carnivorous plants. A circumboreal species (widespread across the Northern Hemisphere), it is one of very few carnivorous plants native to the Pacific Northwest. This small perennial is easily recognized by its round, red-tinged leaves covered in glistening glandular hairs that secrete sticky droplets, resembling dewdrops. These droplets trap unsuspecting insects, which are then digested to supplement the plant’s nutrient needs in poor, highly-acidic soils.
 
In its natural habitat, D. rotundifolia grows in sphagnum mats, peat bogs, and moist heathlands, thriving in environments that are too nutrient-deficient for most other plants. Its survival strategy of insect-trapping allows it to flourish where competition is low. Tiny, delicate white flowers appear on tall, slender stalks in summer, rising well above the sticky leaves to avoid capturing pollinators.
 
For cultivation, Roundleaf Sundew requires consistently wet, acidic, and nutrient-poor soil and pure water. Rainwater or distilled water that has been pH-adjusted to a range of 4.5 - 6.5 is ideal for healthy growth. For best germination, seeds should be surface-sown on a saturated 1:1 mix of sphagnum moss and sand or perlite, given 4–6 weeks of cold stratification to break dormancy, and then moved to bright light. Never allow the soil medium to dry out. Bottom watering and misting the soil surface during germination is ideal to prevent displacing the weakly-rooted seedlings.