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Roridula are some of the most magical-looking carnivorous plants you can grow. Their leaves are covered in sparkling droplets of sticky resin that trap insects and glisten beautifully in the sun. These plants are also wonderfully robust once you understand their specific preferences for dry air and direct sunlight. With good light, pure water, and the right soil, they quickly become happy little bug-catching bushes.
The MOST Important Part!
Most Roridula enjoy FULL SUN and typically need at least 6 hours of direct light per day to grow well.
They can grow beautifully on a bright windowsill indoors, especially one that receives strong morning sunlight. In fact, I find this to be the perfect environment for them. If your Roridula isn’t producing those beautiful sticky droplets (the resin), or if its growth is looking pale green rather than developing its signature red coloration, the most common cause is not enough light.
Adjusting to their New Home.
Fortunately, Roridula tend to adapt quite easily. Because the plant has experienced the stress of shipping, it’s best to place it in bright dappled light or gentle morning sun for about a week before moving it into stronger sunlight.
You may also notice some older lower leaves dying back. This is completely normal as the plant grows and adjusts, and new leaves will quickly replace them.
When I receive new plants, I usually give them a light spray of Novion to help ease the stress of transport.
PURE is PERFECT.
Always use PURE water such as Rainwater, Distilled Water, or Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) Water.
Roridula enjoy plenty of water but they are highly sensitive to stagnant root conditions.
Overhead watering until water drains out the bottom of the pot works beautifully. Alternatively, you can use a shallow tray method, keeping the water level very low – usually around 1 cm in the tray or 10% of the pot height.
It is VERY important to let the tray dry out completely for a day or two before refilling to allow the roots to breathe, as constant waterlogging can quickly lead to root rot.
Poor Soil Makes Happy Plants.
Carnivorous plants require nutrient-deficient soil, so never use normal potting soil or anything containing fertilizers.
Roridula prefer an exceptionally well-draining, airy mix, typically:
(Our Sandy Mix for Regia works well for this plant!)
Because Roridula develop a sensitive root system that does not tolerate root rot, live Sphagnum moss should be avoided as a top dressing.
Repotting is only necessary when refreshing the soil mix after a few years or upgrading to a larger pot, and great care should be taken to avoid disturbing the root ball.
Carnivorous soil Sandy Mix suitable for Roridula, can be purchased on the Accessories Page.
For more info on Soil & Potting refer to my BLOG ON REPOTTING.
If you Absolutely Cannot Resist!
Unlike most carnivorous plants, Roridula cannot digest their own prey because they lack digestive enzymes; instead, they capture insects with water-insoluble resin and rely on a symbiotic relationship with Pameridea Capsid bugs to consume the prey and fertilize the plant via their droppings.
Sunlight remains their primary source of energy, so feeding is never essential. However, if you really cannot resist helping them along, they respond wonderfully to a monthly, highly diluted (1/4 strength) high nitrogen fertiliser sprayed directly to the leaves. (Orchid Fertiliser works well.)
Never Fear. Help is Near.
Roridula rarely experience serious pest problems because their permanent, intensely sticky resin is incredibly lethal to almost all standard pests.
Stagnant air and high humidity are their real enemies, as they can encourage fungal issues. If any rare pests do appear on non-sticky parts, a mild insecticide such as Rosecare Plus by Efekto can be used.
Always spray lightly and ensure the plant has excellent ventilation.
To Chill or Not to Chill.
Roridula grow comfortably in moderate to warm household temperatures.
They generally prefer temperatures between 15°C and 30°C during the day. They tolerate cooler winter temperatures well, but they must be protected from freezing conditions and hard frost.
If winter temperatures drop near freezing, move the plant indoors to a bright, warm windowsill.
The Big Snooze.
Roridula do not require a true winter dormancy rest period and will continue growing year-round if kept warm. However, if you live in a cooler climate, their growth will naturally slow down significantly during the shorter, cooler days of winter. During this period:
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