Watering Drosophyllum (Dewy Pine): Damp, Not Wet—Never Bone Dry

Bill (Open House customer) asked two questions about his new Drosophyllum:

1. How dry can soil get and for how long? Currently top-waters to slight runoff, waits until tray is dry.
2. Can it stay outdoors in winter if not in standing water?

Critical Rule: Never Let It Fully Dry

Jeff Dallas: No. Drosophyllum has no water storage (unlike cacti). In nature, roots go deep. In pots, you must monitor.

Watering Protocol

• Summer: Keep tray with ≤½ inch water. Water when pot sides look dry or tray empty.
• Winter: Water to runoff, then stop. No standing water.
• Feel test: Soil dry to touch = water. Like a regular houseplant, not a bog plant.

Common Killer: Underwatering

Overemphasis on "don't overwater" leads to chronic underwatering—more plants die from drought than rot. They want damp, not waterlogged.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.growcarnivorousplants.com