Drosera spatulata: The Spoonleaf Sundew Complex

A biology student asks for specific habitat, climate, soil, and reproduction info for Drosera spatulata.

Taxonomic Complexity

D. spatulata is a species complex — genetically diverse populations lumped under one name despite different climates, characteristics, and ploidy levels.

General Cultivation Profile

• Easy, weed-like sundew
• Adaptable to wide conditions
• Thrives in standard CP mix (peat/perlite/sand)
• Reproduces by seed and vegetative division
• No dormancy required (tropical/subtropical forms)

Research Resource

ICPS Seed Bank species page provides detailed discussion of the taxonomic challenges: carnivorousplants.org

Bottom Line

Treat as an easy, adaptable sundew. Specific wild habitat data varies by population.