Pink Sundew
drosera capillaris
Also known as: ["Pink Sundew","Pink Dewdrop"]
Overview
A small, carnivorous plant with sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest insects.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Drosera |
| Botanical Name: | Drosera capillaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor bog garden or container with standing water
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, as they prefer high humidity but dislike wet foliage
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct morning sun but requires protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun; provide shade during peak hours; for indoor plants, place near east-facing windows.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist
Use distilled or rainwater; keep soil perpetually moist; avoid letting roots sit in stagnant water.
Soil
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil with good drainage
pH: Acidic, pH 3.5–5.5.
Use distilled water; ensure fast drainage; maintain acidic pH.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Protect from frost; maintain humidity in heat; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
rarely, if ever, as they are carnivorous and derive nutrients from insects
Avoid standard fertilizers; use diluted carnivorous-specific fertilizer; fertilize only during active growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or pure peat with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Not typically required but can use a mild rooting hormone if desired.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves at the base with clean scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; sterilize tools; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure it’s not too large to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Use fresh carnivorous plant soil to maintain acidity and drainage.
Checklist
Use carnivorous soil mix; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled water; keep soil moist; avoid wet foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the soil surface, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal issues. Ensure water reaches the root zone and allow excess to drain if using a pot with drainage holes. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
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 for drainage; use distilled water to maintain acidity; avoid organic matter that retains too much moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf curling, reduced dew production, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, reduces dew production, and may cause leaf damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat mat if necessary; avoid drafty areas.
Hot Stress
Can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or dormancy if temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water more frequently during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute heavily; apply during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not needed as it catches insects. If fertilizing, use a diluted carnivorous plant fertilizer (1/4 strength) monthly during growing season.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Drosera capillaris may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's insecticidal properties can cause mild digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Drosera capillaris by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's active compounds. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDrosera capillaris, commonly known as pink sundew, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The plant's mucilaginous secretions and insecticidal properties may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Drosera capillaris?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, using distilled or rainwater.
Q: Does Drosera capillaris need sunlight?
A: Yes, it requires bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade.
Q: Can I feed Drosera capillaris insects?
A: Yes, you can occasionally feed it small insects, but it can also catch its own prey.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
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