Drosera praefolia is a carnivorous plant from the sundew family growing a basal rosette up to 6 cm in diameter. Like every species within the genus Drosera, this plant uses its heavy glandular leaves to trap insects for nutrients. The higher the intensity of exposed light, the brighter red the leaves will be. This plant grows from small white tubers in the ground. This species creates a basal rosette with spoon shaped, stout leaves. The plant produces flowers before the rest of the plant is fully developed. The flowers are relatively large and are colored white. Drosera praefolia is a rosette-forming carnivorous plant native to southwestern Australia. It is easily recognised by its compact, symmetrical shape and its glistening leaves tipped with sticky glands that trap and digest small insects. The pinkish rosette makes this tropical species a perfect choice for terrariums, bright living spaces, or even outdoor cultivation in warm weather. In its natural habitat, Drosera praefolia grows in wet, nutrient-poor soils with little surrounding vegetation, such as open forests or loamy ground. This explains why the plant must be kept constantly moist during growth and tolerates boggy conditions very well. Each leaf is covered with sparkling dew drops that help the plant catch prey, providing the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Leaves react to light intensity – under bright light they turn more reddish, while in lower light they remain green. When mature, Drosera praefolia produces delicate flowers that rise gracefully above the rosette. Drosera praefolia originates from loamy soils, and sometimes open forests of southwestern Australia. It grows in exposed, moist areas near grassy patches.

For optimal growth of Drosera praefolia, the optimal day temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. In the night temperatures could drop to 15 degrees Celsius. In spring and in summer this plant could also grow outdoors but make sure temperature does not drop under 15 degrees Celsius. Place this plant in a mineral rich, water retaining medium that lacks nutrients and other dissolved salts completely. Clean peat or horticultural sand are some examples. Provide this species with bright to very bright light conditions such as direct sunlight or strong artificial lights. Prevent this plant from drying out when actively growing. To maintain swampy or soggy conditions, it is possible to place a perforated pot in a tray of water. Always use demineralized water; water containing even a low concentration of minerals could burn the sensitive roots. Fertilizer is best to avoid but it is possible to feed this plant with caught insects once per month.

Cultivation & Care
-Light: Bright light with some direct sun or strong artificial light
- Temperature: Around 25 °C during the day, minimum 15 °C at night
-Outdoor growth: Possible in spring and summer; acclimate slowly to sunlight and bring indoors when temperatures drop below 15 °C
- Substrate: Poor, mineral mix that retains moisture – e.g. low-nutrient peat or sand blend
- Water: Keep constantly moist; boggy conditions are tolerated. Use rain or distilled water only
- Humidity: Medium to high
- Feeding: Rarely needed – catches its own insects. Occasional feeding (once a month) can stimulate growth and flowering.
- Grooming: Remove dead leaves to prevent fungal problems.

Drosera praefolia is a compact and elegant sundew that combines delicate beauty with robust adaptability – perfect for terrariums, greenhouses or bright windowsills.