Drosera regia is endemic to a single tiny valley in South Africa. The leaves of Drosera regia can grow up to 50 cm tall and possess stalked glands and tentacles capable of capturing large beetles, moths and butterflies. Insects become trapped in sticky mucilage, The tentacles and leaves are capable of responding to prey by bending towards the trapped insects and wrapping tightly round them. Discovered and described in 1901 by South African botanist Selmar Schönland, D. regia differs clearly from other sundews in its size and woody root system. In the wild, it grows in sunny, well-drained yet moist grasslands.

Cultivation and Care for Drosera regia

This drosera is a carnivorous plant that likes a light soil mix such as sand, peat and perlite. It needs to be kept moist, but not constantly immersed in water. Drosera regia likes plenty of light and can be in full sunlight as long as the temperature remains below 25°C. In winter the plant can die back, but the roots survive together with a dormant bud and short, immature leaves. At Araflora Drosera regia has survived temperatures of 0 degrees Celsius in winter. Its woody roots grow deeper than other Drosera species. It therefore appreciates a large, tall pot. If the plant does not receive sunlight for several days, its leaves will quickly discolour and die. This may also happen during transport of the plant. It will grow new leaves quickly if the entire plant, including roots, is placed in a tall pot.
- Light: Very bright; tolerates full sun if below 25 °C.
- Temperature: 10–25 °C; can briefly survive 0 °C when roots are protected.
- Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Substrate: Airy mix of sand, peat and perlite in a deep pot to allow woody roots to develop.
- Feeding: Catches its own insects; avoid overfeeding.
- Dormancy: Leaves may die back in winter; plant regrows from roots.

Plant care tip: After shipping or dark periods, leaves may die—new ones appear quickly under good light.

A royal species every collector should have – large, elegant and impressive.