Reviving a Water Sundew (Drosera) After Rain Damage: Aphids, Pruning, and Recovery

Brian's "water sundew" (likely Drosera intermedia or D. anglica) shriveled after a heavy rainstorm in Minnesota. Venus flytraps nearby were fine. He asks if the plant is dead and whether cutting leaves (like flytraps) will trigger regrowth.

Diagnosis: Likely Aphids, Not Rain

Heavy rain alone rarely kills temperate sundews—they're adapted to wet conditions. The rapid shriveling suggests aphid infestation at the crown, which rain may have exacerbated by washing away protective dew or stressing the plant.

Immediate Actions

1. Inspect crown closely for tiny green/black aphids (often hidden in new growth).
2. If aphids found: Spray pyrethrin-based insecticide directly into crown, or submerge pot in water 24–48 hrs to drown them.
3. Remove dead leaves—cut at base. Unlike flytraps, sundews don't regrow from the same leaf, but the crown will produce new leaves if alive.
4. Check soil level: Rain may have washed soil away; firm plant back in.
5. Keep wet, bright, cool. Temperate sundews need full sun and constant moisture.

Regrowth Potential

If the crown (growth point) is firm and green/white, the plant will resprout. Drosera species with hibernacula (winter buds) can even regrow from roots if the crown rots. Be patient—new leaves may take weeks.

Don't treat it like a Venus flytrap. Sundews have different growth patterns, but both recover well from crown damage if roots survive.