15 Sticky Sundew Plants That Trap Bugs Indoors

While you might think carnivorous plants are too exotic for your home, sundew plants offer a practical and fascinating way to handle indoor pest problems. You’ll find these sticky-tentacled hunters come in 15 distinct varieties, from the beginner-friendly Cape Sundew to the more challenging Forked-Leaf species. Before you select your first sundew, you’ll need to understand how these remarkable plants use their glistening droplets to lure, trap, and digest unsuspecting insects.

1. Cape Sundew Plant

The Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis) is a carnivorous plant native to South Africa characterized by long, narrow leaves covered in sticky red tentacles that trap and digest insects. These tentacles secrete a sweet, sticky substance that attracts prey and curls around captured insects to aid digestion. Cape Sundews are among the easiest carnivorous plants to grow indoors, reaching heights of 2-4 inches and producing small pink flowers on tall stalks when mature.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily; does well under grow lights
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and sand, or pure long-fibered sphagnum moss
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels around 50-70%
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during day, can tolerate down to 40°F (4°C)
• Feeding: Small insects every 2-4 weeks; can survive without feeding but grows better with prey
• Dormancy: Optional winter dormancy period with reduced watering and temperatures

2. Spoonleaf Sundew Plant

The Spoonleaf Sundew (Drosera spatulata) is a small carnivorous plant featuring spoon-shaped leaves arranged in a compact rosette pattern. Each leaf is covered with red, sticky tentacles that secrete a sweet-smelling mucilage to attract and trap tiny insects. Native to parts of Asia and Australia, this sundew species typically grows to about 1-2 inches in diameter and produces delicate pink or white flowers on thin stalks when mature. Its diminutive size makes it an excellent choice for windowsill growing and terrarium cultivation.

• Light: Bright indirect sunlight or artificial grow lights; minimum 4 hours direct sun daily
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only
• Soil: 1:1 mix of peat moss and silica sand; never use nutrient-rich or fertilized soil
• Humidity: Minimum 50% relative humidity; higher levels preferred
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during day; can tolerate down to 40°F (4°C)
• Container: Small pot with drainage holes; plastic or glazed ceramic preferred
• Growing Medium pH: 4.5-5.5 (acidic)

3. Round-Leaf Sundew Plant

The Round-Leaf Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) is a small carnivorous plant that forms a rosette of circular leaves covered in red, sticky tentacles. Each leaf spans about half an inch in diameter and lies flat against the ground. When insects land on the sticky droplets produced by the tentacles, the leaves slowly curl around the prey, eventually digesting it to obtain nutrients. This species is one of the most widespread sundews, naturally found in bogs and wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia.

• Light: Bright indirect sunlight to partial direct sun; morning sun is ideal
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist to wet; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Nutrient-poor, acidic mix of sphagnum peat moss and sand
• Humidity: High humidity levels above 50%
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during day; can tolerate down to 40°F (4°C)
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 32-50°F (0-10°C)
• Container: Plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; catches own prey or can be fed small insects monthly

4. Spatulate-Leaf Tropical Sundew

The Spatulate-Leaf Tropical Sundew (Drosera spatulata) is a small carnivorous plant known for its compact rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves covered in sticky red tentacles. Each leaf measures roughly 1-2 cm long and produces dewdrops of mucilage that trap and digest small insects. This sundew species is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, where it grows naturally in boggy areas and wet meadows, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation.

• Light: Bright indirect sunlight or artificial grow lights; minimum 4-6 hours daily
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Nutrient-poor mix of 50/50 peat moss and silica sand
• Humidity: 50% or higher
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Container: Small pot with drainage holes
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; catches own prey or can be fed small insects monthly
• Dormancy: No true dormancy period required

5. Forked-Leaf Sundew

The Forked-Leaf Sundew (Drosera binata) is a striking carnivorous plant characterized by its distinctive Y-shaped leaves that split into two long segments covered in sticky, dew-like droplets. These droplets contain digestive enzymes that trap and dissolve insects for nutrients. Native to Australia and New Zealand, this sundew species can grow quite tall compared to other sundews, with leaves potentially reaching 12 inches in length. The plant produces delicate white flowers on tall stalks during its blooming period.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight to partial sun; can tolerate direct morning sun
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Mix of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part sand; well-draining
• Humidity: High humidity (50-70%)
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Container: Plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; catches own prey for nutrients
• Dormancy: May enter brief dormancy period in winter

6. Climbing Sundew From Madagascar

The Climbing Sundew (Drosera madagascariensis) is a carnivorous plant native to Madagascar that grows as a vine-like specimen, reaching lengths of up to 3 feet. Unlike many other sundews, this species grows vertically by twining around supports with its stem, while producing linear leaves covered in sticky, red tentacles along its length. These tentacles secrete a sweet, sticky substance that attracts and traps small insects, which the plant then digests for nutrients.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist to wet; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Poor, acidic mix of 1:1 peat moss and silica sand
• Humidity: High humidity levels of 50% or more
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during day, can tolerate brief drops to 50°F (10°C)
• Growing Medium: Plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes
• Support: Requires stakes, trellises, or other climbing structures

7. Oblong Leaf Sundew Plant

The Oblong Leaf Sundew (Drosera intermedia) is a small carnivorous plant characterized by its spoon-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Each leaf is covered in red tentacle-like stalks that secrete sticky mucilage to trap and digest insects. Growing to about 3-4 inches in diameter, this sundew species features leaves that are typically green with red highlights, becoming more vibrant under strong light. The plant produces small white flowers on tall stalks during its blooming period, though the primary appeal lies in its carnivorous trapping mechanism.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight or artificial grow lights; minimum 4-6 hours daily
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Nutrient-poor, acidic mix of 50/50 peat moss and silica sand
• Humidity: High humidity levels, above 50%
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during day, can tolerate slight drops at night
• Feeding: Small insects every 2-4 weeks during growing season
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes
• Growing Medium pH: 4.0-5.0

8. California Sundew Plant

The California Sundew (Drosera californica) is a carnivorous plant native to northern California and southern Oregon. It features rosettes of sticky, reddish leaves covered in glistening droplets that attract and trap insects. The leaves grow up to 2 inches long, and when prey lands on them, the tentacles curl inward to digest the insect. During its growing season, it produces small white or pink flowers on tall stalks above the leaves.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct sun if humidity is high
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Equal parts peat moss and sand; poor in nutrients
• Humidity: Minimum 50%; prefers higher humidity levels
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during day; can tolerate cooler nights
• Growing Medium: Must be acidic with pH between 4.5 and 5.5
• Fertilizer: None needed; nutrients come from caught prey
• Dormancy: Partial winter dormancy with reduced watering

9. Byblis Gigantea

Byblis gigantea is a carnivorous plant native to southwestern Australia, commonly known as the Rainbow Plant or Giant Rainbow Plant. This sundew-like species produces tall, linear leaves covered in glistening sticky mucilage that traps small insects. Growing up to 70cm tall, it features delicate purple-blue flowers and can live for several years when properly maintained. Unlike true sundews (Drosera), Byblis belongs to a separate family but shares similar insect-catching mechanisms through its adhesive glands.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun; requires bright light with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Well-draining mix of 2 parts silica sand to 1 part peat moss
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 20-30°C (68-86°F)
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-70%)
• Growing Season: Active growth during spring and summer; semi-dormant in winter
• pH: Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5)

10. Drosera Capillaris Sundew Plant

The Drosera capillaris, commonly known as the Pink Sundew, is a small carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America. This sundew species features rosettes of narrow leaves covered in red, sticky tentacles that trap and digest small insects for nutrients. The leaves typically grow close to the ground in a spreading pattern, and during blooming season, it produces delicate pink flowers on tall stalks rising above the foliage. Each leaf contains numerous mucilage-tipped tentacles that glisten in the light, attracting prey with their deceptively dew-like appearance.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist to wet; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Nutrient-poor, acidic mix of 1:1 peat moss and sand
• Humidity: High humidity levels between 50-70%
• Temperature: Warm conditions between 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; catches its own prey for nutrients
• Growing Method: Can be grown in terrariums or bog gardens
• Winter Care: Reduced watering during dormancy; maintains smaller growth

11. Himalayan Cobra Lily

The Himalayan Cobra Lily (Arisaema costatum) is a striking carnivorous plant native to the eastern Himalayas, distinct from the California Cobra Lily. It features a unique hooded flower that resembles a cobra’s head, rising on a tall stem above its divided leaves. The plant captures insects through a pitfall trap mechanism, where prey falls into the tubular pitcher and is unable to escape due to downward-pointing hairs and slippery surfaces. The trapped insects are then digested by enzymes produced by the plant.

• Light: Partial to full shade; protect from direct afternoon sun
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: Cool to moderate temperatures (60-75°F)
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50-70%)
• Growing Zone: USDA zones 7-9
• Winter Care: Goes dormant in winter; reduce watering and allow to rest

12. Australian Pitcher Plant

The Australian Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus follicularis) is a unique carnivorous plant native to southwestern Australia. It produces small, distinctive pitcher traps that grow up to 1.5 inches in length, arranged in a rosette pattern near the ground. These pitchers feature a ribbed lid and are often adorned with reddish coloring, especially when exposed to bright light. The plant uses these modified leaves to trap and digest insects, supplementing its nutrition in nutrient-poor soils.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; some direct morning sun acceptable; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Well-draining mix of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part sand, and 1 part perlite
• Humidity: High humidity (60-80%)
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); can tolerate brief periods down to 30°F (-1°C)
• Container: Small pots with drainage holes; shallow containers preferred
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; catches own prey or can be fed small insects monthly

13. Slender Pitcher’s Bug Trap

The Slender Pitcher sundew plant lures and traps insects using sticky mucilage secreted from tentacle-like stalks on its leaves. When bugs land on these glistening droplets, they become stuck and are slowly digested by enzymes produced by the plant. The leaves can then curl inward to maximize contact with the prey, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption from the captured insects.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled or rainwater only
• Soil: Equal mix of peat moss and silica sand with good drainage
• Humidity: High humidity (50-70%)
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Container: Shallow pot with drainage holes
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; relies on caught insects for nutrients

14. Venus Flytrap Snap-Trap

The Venus Flytrap snap-trap is a remarkable carnivorous mechanism consisting of modified leaf blades that form a hinged trap. When triggered by prey touching sensitive trigger hairs inside the trap, the two lobes quickly snap shut, trapping insects between their toothed margins. The trap produces digestive enzymes to break down the prey over several days, absorbing nutrients before reopening to catch new prey. Each trap can only close and digest a few times before it dies off, but new traps continuously grow from the plant’s center.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight for 6+ hours daily; some morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates
• Water: Consistently moist soil using distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water; never tap water
• Soil: Poor, acidic soil mix of 50/50 peat moss and sand; no fertilizers or enriched potting soils
• Humidity: High humidity levels between 50-70%
• Temperature: 70-95°F (21-35°C) during growing season; winter dormancy at 40-50°F (4-10°C)
• Drainage: Well-draining pots with drainage holes
• Growing Medium Depth: At least 4-5 inches deep containers

15. Red Trumpet Pitcher Plant

The Red Trumpet Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia leucophylla) is a carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United States, known for its distinctive red-veined, trumpet-shaped pitchers that can grow up to 3 feet tall. These pitchers contain digestive enzymes and feature a hood-like lid that prevents rainwater from diluting the enzymes. The plant lures insects with sweet nectar and bright coloration, trapping them when they fall into the pitcher, where they’re broken down and absorbed for nutrients.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater
• Soil: Nutrient-poor, acidic mix of peat moss and sand (3:1 ratio)
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50-80%)
• Temperature: 70-85°F during day, can tolerate down to 50°F at night
• Growing Zone: USDA zones 6-9
• Feeding: No fertilizer needed; naturally catches insects for nutrients
• Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy period with temperatures between 35-50°F