Drosera make fascinating house and conservatory plants but are better suited to being grown outdoors. They are best kept under roof if you wish to retain their vivid red colouration. Plants can be brought indoors for short periods for display. Drosera trinervia is a hardy winter-growing carnivorous plant, but not necessarily the easiest for novices.

D. trinervia tolerates a variety of soils which are low in nutrients. Best growth medium, 1 part sand or silica grit: 1 part peat or sphagnum moss, in 9-15 cm pots are ideal. It is important not to over-pot plants. Taller rather than wider pots are ideal for Drosera to thrive and to accommodate the long but few roots.

Place the potted plants in a 10-30 mm deep saucer filled with fresh water to keep them moist at all times during their winter growing months. Allow the saucer to dry out occasionally so that the medium can aerate. This will not harm your plants so long as the moisture content in the medium is still high. Place in a northern or eastern direction for best sunlight if growing indoors. Grow in full sun to semi-shade outdoors.

During the plants' dormant period in summer, remove pots from water trays, but do not allow soil to dry completely. The author allows for very minimal, light watering over the dormant phase. This technique has successfully kept plants alive over their dormant period and allowed mature plants to resprout the following winter. Other growers recommend removing roots and tubers and keeping them in a sealed container in a cool environment.

Sundews are easily propagated by seed. Prepare a 90 mm pot with growth medium and water well. In autumn sow fresh seeds on the surface in moist growth medium. Place in a semi-shady position and do not cover with growth medium. Seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks.

For vegetative propagation, partially cover healthy living roots or leaf cuttings with growth medium. Place in a well lit area but not in direct sunlight. Cover pots with plastic to retain humidity.

Once young leaves develop, pierce the plastic to allow for acclimatization and hardening off. Acidic or epiphytic foliar feed may be used at ¼ recommended strength once a month.

Ironically, the carnivorous plants are attacked by insect pests. Aphids, mealy bug and thrips cause deformity in new growth. Treat with a diluted pesticide or remove pests by hand. Never use a soap-based insecticide. Drying out can cause drooping and decrease mucilage production. Watering and keeping the plant moist will revive them. Dew production may stop after transplanting or if the leaf comes into contact with inquisitive hands. New foliage will, however, grow and continue to produce dew. Mature plants die off from time to time, but usually young shoots develop off their rhizomatous stems or roots, so wait a few weeks before you throw them out!