Alpine Sundew

Drosera arcturi

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Alpine Sundew (scientific name: Drosera arcturi ), is a remarkable carnivorous species found in New Zealand's alpine wetlands. It is characterized by its sticky red glandular hairs, small rosette form, and ability to trap and digest insects. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its unique ecology, challenging cultivation requirements, and importance within New Zealand's alpine ecosystems. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our specialized alpine flora and the fascinating adaptations of alpine plants .

Alpine Sundew (Drosera arcturi) showing sticky leaves with red glandular hairs — Image credit: Alpine Sundew ( *Drosera arcturi* ) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Drosera arcturi is a small perennial carnivorous herb with distinctive thick, leathery leaves that form a compact rosette. The leaves are covered with red glandular hairs that secrete sticky droplets to trap insects. Unlike many sundews, this species typically maintains only two to three healthy leaves at a time, an adaptation to harsh alpine conditions where sudden frosts could damage larger rosettes. Young leaves emerge folded along their center and unfold like a book when mature. During summer, the plant produces a solitary white flower approximately 13mm across on a short stalk positioned near the top of the leaves.

Quick Facts

*Drosera arcturi* quick facts
Scientific Name	Drosera arcturi
Height	2-5 cm
Spread	3-8 cm
Water Needs	Constantly moist to wet
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance	Highly frost tolerant (alpine adapted)
Salt Tolerance	None
Growth Rate	Very slow
Lifespan	Perennial (several years)

Climate Best Suited to

Alpine Sundew thrives in cold, alpine to sub-alpine climates with cool summers and cold winters with snow cover. It requires consistently cool temperatures year-round and cannot tolerate hot conditions. The plant is highly adapted to areas that receive winter snowfall, forming a non-carnivorous resting bud (hibernaculum) during the snowy season. It performs best in regions with high altitude or southern latitude locations where temperatures remain cool even in summer.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Alpine Sundew
City	Climate Suitability
Auckland	Poor - Too warm year-round
Wellington	Poor - Insufficient cold period
Christchurch	Marginal - Possible at altitude only
Dunedin	Fair - Better at higher elevations
Invercargill	Good - Cool enough at sea level
Queenstown	Excellent - Alpine climate ideal

Plant Habitat

Drosera arcturi inhabits alpine and sub-alpine bogs, tarns, and seepages from the East Cape of the North Island southwards to Stewart Island. In the North Island, it occurs above 1,500 meters altitude, while in the South Island it descends to sea level in the far south. The species is commonly found in Sphagnum bogs and other wetland areas with permanently saturated, nutrient-poor, acidic soils. It often grows alongside other specialized alpine plants in open areas with minimal competition from larger vegetation.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Alpine Sundew requires extremely nutrient-poor, acidic soil that remains constantly moist. The ideal growing medium mimics its natural bog habitat with high organic content and excellent water retention while maintaining adequate aeration.

Use a mix of sphagnum moss and sand (2:1 ratio)
Maintain pH between 4.0-5.5
Never use fertilized soil or potting mix
Ensure excellent drainage while keeping constantly moist

Light Requirements

This species requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and carnivorous leaf development. However, the intense light must be balanced with consistently cool root temperatures.

Provide full sun to light shade
Minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily
Protect from hot afternoon sun in warmer regions
Bright light essential for red coloration

Water Requirements

Water management is critical for Alpine Sundew. The plant requires constant moisture but with cool water temperatures, mimicking alpine stream and bog conditions.

Keep soil permanently saturated
Use only rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water
Never allow to dry out completely
Maintain cool water temperatures

Planting and Establishing

Establishing Alpine Sundew is extremely challenging and not recommended for beginners. The plant requires specialized conditions that are difficult to replicate outside its natural alpine habitat. If attempting cultivation, use shallow containers with excellent drainage holes, filled with appropriate carnivorous plant medium. Plants should never be collected from the wild. Seeds, if available from reputable sources, can take years to germinate and require cold stratification. Seedlings grow extremely slowly, producing only a few leaves each season. The critical factor is maintaining consistently cool temperatures, especially at the root zone, which makes cultivation nearly impossible in warm climates without specialized cooling equipment.

Ecological Role

Alpine Sundew plays a unique role in New Zealand's alpine ecosystems as one of the few carnivorous plants adapted to high-altitude environments. By trapping and digesting small insects, it supplements the poor mineral nutrition available in alpine bog soils. The sticky leaves capture various small arthropods, particularly flying insects attracted to the glistening droplets. This carnivorous adaptation allows the plant to thrive in extremely nutrient-poor habitats where most other plants cannot survive. The minute, wind-dispersed seeds contribute to colonization of suitable wetland habitats across alpine regions. As an obligate wetland species, it serves as an indicator of intact alpine bog ecosystems and high-quality water sources.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Alpine Sundew is primarily of interest to specialist carnivorous plant collectors and botanical enthusiasts rather than general gardeners due to its extremely specific requirements.

Specialist alpine or bog garden collections
Educational displays about carnivorous plants
Conservation collections in botanical gardens
Scientific research specimens

Ecological Value

This species contributes significantly to the biodiversity and ecological balance of New Zealand's alpine wetlands through its specialized adaptations.

Natural insect control in alpine bogs
Indicator species for pristine wetland habitats
Part of specialized alpine plant communities
Contributes to nutrient cycling in bog ecosystems

Landscaping Uses

Alpine Sundew has very limited landscaping applications due to its highly specialized requirements. It is unsuitable for conventional gardens and can only be maintained in carefully controlled environments. The species is best appreciated in its natural habitat or in specialized botanical collections with alpine houses or cool greenhouse facilities. For those interested in carnivorous plants but lacking specialized facilities, other New Zealand natives like Drosera binata or Drosera spatulata are much more amenable to cultivation. Educational institutions and botanical gardens may feature this species in alpine plant displays to demonstrate the remarkable adaptations of high-altitude flora.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Plants emerge from winter dormancy as temperatures rise and snow melts. New carnivorous leaves begin to unfold from the hibernaculum.

Gradually increase watering as growth resumes
Ensure adequate sunlight for new growth
Monitor for pest activity on emerging leaves
Maintain cool root temperatures

Summer

Active growing season with maximum leaf production and flowering. This is when the plant is fully carnivorous and actively trapping prey.

Maintain constant moisture levels
Provide maximum sunlight exposure
White flowers appear from November to February
Seeds mature January to March if pollinated

Autumn

Growth slows as temperatures drop. Leaves gradually reduce in size as the plant prepares for winter dormancy.

Reduce watering frequency slightly
Remove dead leaves carefully
Observe formation of winter hibernaculum
Prepare for winter protection if cultivated

Winter

Plant forms a non-carnivorous resting bud (hibernaculum) and remains dormant under snow cover in nature.

Maintain just above freezing temperatures
Keep barely moist but not waterlogged
Provide winter chill period for proper dormancy
Protect from temperature extremes below -5°C

When to Prune and How Much

Alpine Sundew requires minimal pruning due to its small size and limited leaf production. The main maintenance involves removing dead or damaged leaves to prevent fungal issues.

Remove only completely dead, brown leaves
Use fine tweezers to avoid damaging healthy tissue
Never remove more than one-third of leaves at once
Clean trapped insect remains that begin to mold

Exercise extreme care when handling this delicate plant, as it produces very few leaves and damage can be fatal. Remove spent flower stalks after seed collection if desired. The plant naturally sheds old leaves as part of its growth cycle, and excessive pruning can weaken an already slow-growing species. Focus on maintaining optimal growing conditions rather than active pruning.

How to Grow Alpine Sundew

Cultivating Alpine Sundew ( Drosera arcturi ) is considered one of the most challenging endeavors in carnivorous plant cultivation. This species requires extremely specific conditions that replicate its natural alpine bog habitat. Success depends on maintaining consistently cool temperatures, particularly at the root zone, while providing bright light and constant moisture with pure water. The plant's slow growth rate and production of only a few leaves per season means that any cultural mistakes can be fatal. Most attempts at cultivation fail due to inability to provide the required cool conditions year-round.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is the primary method for this species, though germination can take years and success rates are typically low. Seeds remain viable for decades under proper storage conditions, so patience is essential.

Seeds require a lengthy cold stratification period of 3-6 months at temperatures just above freezing. Sow on the surface of moist sphagnum moss in a sealed container.

Prepare sterile sphagnum moss medium in a shallow container
Scatter seeds on surface without covering
Place in refrigerator at 2-4°C for stratification period
After stratification, move to cool, bright conditions
Maintain constant moisture with distilled water
Germination may occur sporadically over several years

Even after germination, seedlings grow extremely slowly and may take several years to reach maturity. Many growers report seeds germinating after 2-3 years of waiting.

From Cuttings

Vegetative propagation through cuttings is not viable for this species due to its growth form. Unlike some other sundews, Alpine Sundew does not produce offsets or runners that can be divided.

The plant's limited leaf production and lack of suitable cutting material make vegetative propagation impossible. Any attempt to take cuttings would likely kill the parent plant.

This method is not applicable to Alpine Sundew
Focus efforts on seed propagation instead
Maintain parent plants carefully to ensure seed production

Additional Methods

Given the extreme difficulty in cultivation, the best approach for most enthusiasts is to appreciate this species in its natural habitat through responsible eco-tourism or in botanical garden displays rather than attempting home cultivation.

Some specialized growers have had limited success using controlled environment chambers with cooling systems to maintain the required temperature regime. Alpine houses in botanical gardens provide the most reliable cultivation environment.

Consider visiting alpine regions to observe plants in nature
Support botanical gardens maintaining conservation collections
Join carnivorous plant societies for expert guidance
Start with easier Drosera species before attempting D. arcturi

Pests & Diseases

Alpine Sundew faces few pest and disease issues in its natural habitat but can be susceptible to problems in cultivation. The main threat is fungal infections, particularly gray mold (Botrytis) and root rot, which develop in conditions of poor air circulation or excessive moisture without proper drainage. Trapped insects that are not fully digested can develop mold, potentially damaging leaves. In cultivation, aphids may occasionally attack flower stalks, though the carnivorous leaves typically protect themselves. Slugs and snails can damage plants in outdoor bog gardens. The best prevention is maintaining optimal growing conditions with good air circulation, appropriate moisture levels, and prompt removal of dead material. Avoid using any pesticides or fungicides, as these can damage the sensitive carnivorous leaves.

Cultural Significance

While Alpine Sundew lacks documented traditional cultural uses, it represents an important part of New Zealand's unique alpine biodiversity. The genus name Drosera comes from the Greek word "droseros," meaning dewy, referring to the glistening droplets on the leaves. This remarkable plant fascinates botanists and nature enthusiasts as one of only two alpine carnivorous plants in New Zealand. Its presence indicates pristine alpine wetland habitats, making it valuable for ecological assessment and conservation planning. The species contributes to scientific understanding of plant adaptations to extreme environments and carnivory evolution. Modern appreciation focuses on its ecological significance and its role in demonstrating the remarkable diversity of New Zealand's alpine flora.

Scientific research on carnivorous plant evolution
Indicator species for wetland health assessment
Educational value in demonstrating plant adaptations
Conservation symbol for alpine wetland protection

Bonus Tip

If you're fascinated by carnivorous plants but find Alpine Sundew too challenging, try the more adaptable Fork-Leaved Sundew ( Drosera binata ) or Spoon-Leaved Sundew ( Drosera spatulata ) instead. These New Zealand natives are much easier to grow and still display the fascinating insect-trapping abilities. They can thrive in a simple tray of distilled water on a sunny windowsill, providing the carnivorous plant experience without the extreme cultivation challenges of alpine species.

Plant Conservation

Alpine Sundew is currently classified as "Not Threatened" according to the New Zealand Threat Classification System, indicating stable populations across its range. However, the species faces potential long-term threats from climate change, which may reduce suitable alpine wetland habitat as temperatures rise and snow cover decreases. Habitat degradation from introduced browsing animals, particularly deer and pigs, can damage the delicate bog ecosystems where this plant thrives. Conservation efforts focus on protecting alpine wetlands through pest control and maintaining natural hydrology. It is illegal to collect this plant from the wild without permits. Supporting alpine conservation initiatives and responsible eco-tourism helps preserve the unique habitats that support this remarkable carnivorous plant and its associated alpine flora.