Origin and Natural Habitat
Drosera capensis, commonly known as the Cape Sundew, is a hardy carnivorous plant native to the fynbos regions of the Western Cape, South Africa. It is typically found in marshy areas and along stream banks where the soil is nutrient-poor and acidic.
Plant Characteristics
This is widely considered the best beginner carnivorous plant due to its adaptability and vigorous growth. It produces rosettes of long, strap-like leaves covered in bright red tentacles. Each tentacle is tipped with a shimmering droplet of ‘mucilage’ (glue) used to trap gnats, flies, and other small insects. Once an insect is caught, the leaf slowly curls around the prey to digest it. It produces tall stalks of attractive purple flowers throughout the summer.
Care Guide
Light
The Cape Sundew thrives in bright, direct sunlight. To see the best tentacle colouration and thick ‘dew’ production, it should receive several hours of direct sun daily. If the plant is grown in too much shade, the leaves will remain green, and the sticky traps will fail to develop properly.
Soil
This species requires an acidic, nutrient-poor medium. A mixture of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite is the standard recommendation. Never use ordinary potting soil, compost, or any medium containing fertilizer, as the minerals will burn the plant’s sensitive roots.
Water
Being a bog plant, Drosera capensis must be kept wet at all times. We recommend using the ‘tray method’, where the pot sits in a permanent saucer of water about 1–2cm deep. It is vital to use only distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or clean rainwater, as the minerals in tap water will eventually kill the plant.
Pot size
A standard 10cm to 12cm plastic pot is usually sufficient for a mature specimen. Plastic is preferred over terracotta for this specific species as it helps retain the high moisture levels required and does not leach minerals into the soil.
Temperature
Drosera capensis is very adaptable and grows well in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. While it can survive a light frost by dying back to the roots and regrowing in spring, it is best kept in a frost-free environment.
Humidity
This species appreciates moderate to high humidity but is much more tolerant of dry air than other sundews. As long as the soil is kept soaking wet, it generally produces plenty of dew even in average household humidity.
Fertilizing
Never apply fertilizer to the soil. These plants have evolved to get their nutrients from insects. If grown indoors where insects are scarce, you can occasionally drop a small dried fly or a tiny piece of fish food onto a sticky leaf to boost growth.
Growing season
Unlike many other carnivorous plants, the Cape Sundew does not require a winter dormancy. It will grow actively throughout the year as long as light and water are provided.
Propagation
Drosera capensis is incredibly easy to propagate through several methods.
Seed germination: Seeds are tiny and should be sown on the surface of damp peat moss. Do not cover them with soil. Keep the tray in a bright, warm spot with high humidity, and they will usually germinate within 2–4 weeks.
