Appearance and growth habit

Drosera spatulata ‘Lovellae’ is a charming carnivorous sundew with spoon-shaped leaves covered in glistening, sticky tentacles that catch tiny insects. Its compact rosette and sparkling, dew-like droplets make it a fascinating addition to carnivorous plant collections and suitable terrarium setups. Those pretty droplets aren't just for show — they're part of its insect-catching toolkit!

Care requirements

Provide bright light to encourage healthy growth and colourful leaves. Use a nutrient-poor carnivorous plant substrate and keep it consistently moist with rainwater, distilled water or reverse osmosis water. Avoid mineral-rich tap water and regular potting soil. This little insect hunter enjoys humidity and plenty of light, so give it the right conditions and let it do its thing.

Troubleshooting

If the leaves lose their sticky droplets, the plant may need more light, better humidity or a review of its watering routine. Brown or dying leaves can indicate unsuitable water quality or growing conditions. Keep the substrate moist, avoid fertilisers, and resist the temptation to let it dry out completely — sundews are not fans of a desert holiday!

Pet and reptile safety

Drosera spatulata is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but ingestion should still be discouraged. It is not widely recognised as toxic to reptiles, although species-specific safety information is limited. Its sticky leaves can trap small insects, so consider the size and behaviour of any reptile sharing its enclosure before introducing this plant.