Repotting guide

When & how to repot Scarlet Sundew (Drosera scorpioides)

Also called Scarlet sundew, Shaggy sundew, Scorpion sundew.

More about scarlet sundew

About Scarlet Sundew

Drosera scorpioides · also called Scarlet sundew, Shaggy sundew · houseplant

Drosera scorpioides is the largest of the pygmy sundews, native to the Jarrah Forest region and southern coastal heathlands of south-west Western Australia, where it grows in sandy, nutrient-poor soils in a Mediterranean climate. It forms vivid scarlet rosettes that can grow atop stems up to 15–18 cm tall over several years, and produces pale pink flowers in winter through early spring. The critical care rule is its winter-active, summer-dormant rhythm: plants tolerate mild frosts but must not be subjected to summer heat and wet simultaneously. Drosera is not listed in the ASPCA database; classify as mildly-toxic for pets.

Mature size: Rosette up to 5 cm diameter; stem can reach 15–18 cm tall in multi-year specimens.

How to tell scarlet sundew needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For scarlet sundew, watch for these signs:

Roots spiralling thickly out of the drainage holes or pushing the whole plant up out of the pot.
The pot is so packed that water runs straight through in seconds and barely wets the soil.
It has split a plastic pot, or the rootball is a solid mass with almost no soil left when you slide it out.
Growth and (for scarlet sundew) flowering have clearly stalled despite good light and feeding — but remember this plant likes being snug, so a little crowding alone is not a reason to repot.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot scarlet sundew

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded. Scarlet Sundew is one of the plants that genuinely prefers a snug pot — it grows and flowers better with its roots a little restricted, so resist the urge to repot it on schedule. Pygmy sundew forming a compact surface rosette that may develop a short erect stem with age; winter-active, summer-dormant..

What size pot to step scarlet sundew up to

Go up only one pot size — roughly 2–3 cm (about an inch) wider in diameter, no more. Scarlet Sundew positively prefers a snug pot: it flowers and grows better when the roots are a little restricted. The single biggest repotting mistake here is over-potting — dropping scarlet sundew into a pot two or three sizes up. All that surplus soil holds water the small root system cannot use, stays cold and wet, and rots the roots within weeks. When in doubt, choose the smaller pot.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot scarlet sundew

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for scarlet sundew. The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting scarlet sundew

Confirm it actually needs it. Slide scarlet sundew out and check the roots. Only continue if it is genuinely packed — this plant prefers a snug pot, so if there is still soil and room, put it straight back.
Pick a pot only one size up. Choose a pot just 2–3 cm wider with good drainage. Resist anything bigger; over-potting is the main killer here.
Ease it out gently. Water lightly the day before, then tip scarlet sundew out, supporting the base. Tease the outer roots free only enough to stop them circling.
Repot at the same depth. Add a layer of fresh 2:1 peat and sand, set the plant so the soil line sits exactly where it did before, and backfill around the sides, firming lightly.
Settle it in. Water once to settle the soil, then let it sit. Hold off on more water until the top of the soil dries — fresh soil around a small root system stays wet for a while.

Aftercare

Because the new soil holds more water than the old crammed rootball did, ease right back on watering — let the top of the soil dry before you water scarlet sundew again, or you will rot the roots in the very pot you just moved it to. Keep it out of harsh direct sun for a fortnight. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for scarlet sundew

Scarlet Sundew wants 2:1 peat and sand. Use 2 parts peat moss to 1 part coarse washed sand; the mix should be nutrient-free and moderately moisture-retentive — avoid perlite-heavy mixes that dry too fast for this surface-rosette species. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting scarlet sundew — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot scarlet sundew?

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded for scarlet sundew. Only repot scarlet sundew every 2–4 years, and only when it is genuinely root-bound — it flowers and grows best slightly crowded. Step up just one pot size in spring using 2:1 peat and sand. The key mistake is over-potting: a too-big pot stays wet and rots the roots.

What size pot does scarlet sundew need?

When is the best time of year to repot scarlet sundew?

Does scarlet sundew like to be root-bound?

Yes — scarlet sundew genuinely flowers and grows best when slightly pot-bound, so do not rush to repot it. The mistake to avoid is over-potting into a much larger pot: the excess soil stays wet, the roots cannot use it, and the plant rots. Only repot every few years and only one snug size up.

Should you fertilise scarlet sundew after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting scarlet sundew. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.