Cape Sundew
drosera capensis
Also known as: ["Cape Sundew","Cape Drosera"]
Overview
A carnivorous plant native to South Africa, known for its sticky, glandular leaves that trap and digest insects.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Drosera |
| Botanical Name: | Drosera capensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, direct light or outdoor in a bog garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage; can also use a 2:1:1 mix of peat moss, sand, and perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few weeks during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade but requires strong light for optimal growth and carnivorous trap development.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent leaf burn; place outdoors in a sunny spot during warm months; indoors, use a south-facing window or grow lights.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; rotate plant for even exposure; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; keep soil perpetually damp; avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor mix with peat moss and perlite
pH: Acidic, ideally between 4.5–6.5 pH.
Use acidic soil; ensure excellent drainage; avoid standard potting mixes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally 18–30°C (65–86°F); can tolerate cooler nights but avoid prolonged exposure below 10°C (50°F).
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, only if growth is poor, then monthly with diluted carnivorous plant fertilizer
Avoid standard fertilizers; use carnivorous plant-specific formulas; feed sparingly to prevent damage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; both methods are highly effective for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem or leaf.
- Cut just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves (if stem cutting).
- Place in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat moss and perlite (1:1 ratio) with high humidity.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting if used sparingly.
Timeline
Roots typically form within 2–4 weeks; new plantlets emerge in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, rooting medium, humidity dome or plastic bag, distilled water.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead traps or leaves with clean scissors; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is required; focus on removing dead or decaying traps and leaves to maintain hygiene and redirect energy to new growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead parts; avoid over-pruning; maintain plant shape.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the main growing season begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter) with adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; replace with fresh carnivorous plant soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its container; fresh media improves nutrient availability and root health.
Checklist
Use fresh carnivorous soil; ensure proper drainage; handle roots gently; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled water; keep soil damp; avoid wetting leaves; ensure proper drainage
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the soil at the root zone, ensuring even saturation. Allow excess water to drain freely, and maintain a tray of distilled water beneath the pot for bottom-up hydration if needed.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water frequently, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. During active growth, water every 2–3 days; reduce slightly in winter but never let the soil dry out completely.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; use sphagnum moss to retain moisture; avoid organic matter that retains too much water.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or necrosis of leaves; reduced trap formation; stunted growth; bud drop.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, weaken the plant, and can lead to root rot due to reduced water uptake efficiency.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering during cold spells; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting, especially if combined with intense sunlight and poor watering.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute heavily; apply monthly only during growing season; avoid direct contact with traps.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not needed, as Drosera capensis obtains nutrients from insects. If feeding is desired, use a very dilute (1/8 strength) carnivorous plant fertilizer solution once monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicDrosera capensis may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The plant's enzymes can disrupt the cat's digestive system, resulting in mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDrosera capensis can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The plant's digestive enzymes may irritate the dog's stomach lining, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDrosera capensis, commonly known as the Cape Sundew, is generally considered non-toxic but can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The plant contains enzymes that aid in digestion, which can irritate the human digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Drosera capensis?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during active growth periods.
Q: Does Drosera capensis need sunlight?
A: Yes, it requires bright, indirect sunlight or direct morning sun to thrive.
Q: Can I feed Drosera capensis with insects?
A: Yes, you can supplement its diet with small insects, but it can usually catch enough on its own.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
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