Soil & potting mix
Best soil for Hen-and-Chickens Sundew (Drosera prolifera)
Also called hen-and-chickens sundew, proliferous sundew.
More about hen-and-chickens sundew
About Hen-and-Chickens Sundew
Drosera prolifera · also called hen-and-chickens sundew, proliferous sundew · houseplant
Drosera prolifera is a rare and beautiful tropical sundew from the wet rainforests of far north Queensland, Australia. It uniquely produces plantlets (proliferations) along its flowering scapes — giving rise to its common name. A highly specialised species, it demands consistently warm temperatures, very high humidity, and a shaded, boggy environment; best suited to a terrarium.
Preferred mix: Nutrient-free peat-sphagnum mix
Watch for — Algae and fungal growth in terrarium: High humidity combined with poor air circulation promotes algae on the soil surface and Botrytis on leaves. Introduce a small fan to provide gentle air movement, and remove dead plant material promptly.
Why hen-and-chickens sundew needs this mix
Hen-and-Chickens Sundew is a true acid-lover — it physically cannot take up iron above about pH 5.5, so an ericaceous mix is not optional, it is survival.
- Hen-and-Chickens Sundew has evolved on acidic, peaty ground and depends on soil fungi that only function in acid conditions — raise the pH and it starves even in "rich" soil.
- In a too-alkaline mix iron and manganese lock up chemically, so the youngest leaves yellow between green veins (lime-induced chlorosis) and the plant fades out.
- Its fine, shallow roots also want an open, free-draining structure, not a heavy clay or claggy compost.
For the full picture on what makes up a good mix, see our guide to the main types of soil and potting media — it explains why each ingredient above behaves the way it does.
What goes wrong with the wrong mix
The wrong soil is one of the most common reasons hen-and-chickens sundew struggles, and the damage often shows up weeks later as a watering problem. For this species specifically:
- Ordinary multipurpose or garden compost is far too alkaline for hen-and-chickens sundew — expect classic yellowing, weak growth and a slow decline over a season or two.
- Hard tap water slowly pushes the pH up too, undoing a good mix; rainwater is strongly preferred for watering.
- Lime, mushroom compost or wood ash anywhere near this plant is actively harmful.
Planting hen-and-chickens sundew in standard compost or limey garden soil. Without an acidic (ericaceous) medium it will yellow and fail no matter how well you water and feed it.
pH — does it matter for hen-and-chickens sundew?
This is the whole game: Hen-and-Chickens Sundew needs pH 4.5-5.5. Test it, use ericaceous compost (and an ericaceous feed), and water with rainwater where you can to keep the pH from creeping up.
If you want to check or adjust it, the soil pH guide walks through testing and the safe ways to nudge a mix more acidic or more alkaline.
DIY mix vs a bagged one
Bagged ericaceous compost is the correct, easy base for hen-and-chickens sundew; just open it up with bark and grit per the ratio above. Do not try to acidify ordinary compost by guesswork — it rarely holds.
Drainage and the pot
Containers are often easier than open ground because you control the pH completely. Use a pot with good drainage and an ericaceous mix; never let it sit waterlogged.
Top up or refresh the ericaceous mix yearly and test the pH each spring — it naturally drifts upward over time, especially if watered with tap water. When the time comes, our repotting guide for hen-and-chickens sundew covers the timing and technique step by step.
Hen-and-Chickens Sundew soil — frequently asked questions
What is the best soil mix for hen-and-chickens sundew?
3 parts ericaceous (acidic) compost : 1 part composted pine bark or pine needles : 1 part perlite or coarse grit. Hen-and-Chickens Sundew has evolved on acidic, peaty ground and depends on soil fungi that only function in acid conditions — raise the pH and it starves even in "rich" soil.
Can I use normal potting soil for hen-and-chickens sundew?
Ordinary multipurpose or garden compost is far too alkaline for hen-and-chickens sundew — expect classic yellowing, weak growth and a slow decline over a season or two. Bagged ericaceous compost is the correct, easy base for hen-and-chickens sundew; just open it up with bark and grit per the ratio above. Do not try to acidify ordinary compost by guesswork — it rarely holds.
Does hen-and-chickens sundew need a special pH?
This is the whole game: Hen-and-Chickens Sundew needs pH 4.5-5.5. Test it, use ericaceous compost (and an ericaceous feed), and water with rainwater where you can to keep the pH from creeping up.
Should I buy a bagged mix or make my own for hen-and-chickens sundew?
Bagged ericaceous compost is the correct, easy base for hen-and-chickens sundew; just open it up with bark and grit per the ratio above. Do not try to acidify ordinary compost by guesswork — it rarely holds.
How often should I refresh the soil for hen-and-chickens sundew?
Top up or refresh the ericaceous mix yearly and test the pH each spring — it naturally drifts upward over time, especially if watered with tap water. Containers are often easier than open ground because you control the pH completely. Use a pot with good drainage and an ericaceous mix; never let it sit waterlogged.
Keep reading
- Hen-and-Chickens Sundew care — the full brief (light, water, humidity, problems, pet safety)
- How often to water hen-and-chickens sundew — the schedule the mix feeds into
- Repotting hen-and-chickens sundew — when and how to refresh the mix
- Soil pH guide — test it and adjust it safely
- Root rot — how the wrong soil starts it, and how to save the plant
- Underwatered plant — signs and how to rehydrate it
- Should I water my plant? The simple check first
- Best soil for rabbit's foot fern
- Best soil for ric rac cactus
- Best soil for string of raindrops
- All 6887 soil and potting-mix guides in the Growli library