Carnivorous Plants

Drosera capensis

General

Drosera capensis, known commonly as the Cape sundew, is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly carnivorous plants on the market. Native to South Africa, this sticky-leaved perennial is both beautiful and effective at trapping insects, making it a favorite among carnivorous plant enthusiasts. Its adaptability and forgiving nature also contribute to its widespread cultivation around the world.

Physical Characteristics

This species forms a small rosette of strap-shaped leaves, typically reaching up to 20 cm (8 in) in height. Each bright green to red-tinged leaf is lined with rows of glandular hairs tipped with glistening droplets of mucilage. These dew-like droplets both attract and trap unsuspecting prey. When insects land on the sticky surface, the leaf may curl around its meal, further aiding digestion. Charming pink or white flowers are frequently borne on long, wiry stems above the foliage through the growing season.

Lifestyle

The Cape sundew is a true carnivore, supplementing its growth by capturing and digesting small insects. It primarily uses its mucilage-tipped hairs to snare prey, which it then digests using enzymes released by the leaf. This process provides additional nutrients—especially nitrogen—otherwise lacking in its native nutrient-poor soils. Unlike some carnivores, it can photosynthesize normally and does not depend solely on insect capture.

Habitat and Protection

In the wild, this species is typically found in the damp, sandy soils of South African fynbos and marshlands. It prefers sunny, open spots with high atmospheric humidity and consistently moist soil. While not threatened in its native range, overcollection and habitat loss can pose risks locally. Fortunately, Drosera capensis is widely cultivated and available, which helps protect wild populations from excessive harvesting.

Cultivation

For hobbyists, cultivating this sundew is gratifyingly straightforward. It thrives in both indoor and outdoor setups, provided some key conditions are met. Its resilience means it can recover from short periods of suboptimal care, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced growers who would like a visually striking carnivorous addition to their plant collections.

Special Features

• Movement: The leaves can slowly curl to enclose prey for more efficient digestion.
• Efficient Reproduction: This sundew readily self-pollinates and produces abundant seed, often sprouting seedlings near the parent plant.
• Pest Control: It is effective at catching and limiting populations of fruit flies, gnats, and other small household pests.
• Colorful Display: Depending on light conditions, leaf colors can range from green to deep, vibrant red.

Care

Light

Drosera capensis prefers bright light for best growth and coloration. Provide at least four to six hours of direct sunlight or use bright artificial lighting for indoor cultivation. Insufficient light may result in weak, leggy growth and poor coloration.

Temperature

This sundew is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, ideally thriving between 10–30°C (50–86°F). It can tolerate short dips below 5°C (41°F), but should be protected from hard frosts.

Water

Use only rainwater, distilled, or demineralized water to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid all tap water unless it's proven to be very soft. The tray or standing water method (pot sitting in water) works best.

Soil

Plant in a mix of peat moss and perlite or silica sand (about 2:1 ratio). Never use standard potting soil, compost, or fertilizers in the substrate. Avoid containers that might leach minerals into the medium.

Nutrition

No fertilization is necessary and chemical fertilizers should be avoided. The sundew obtains adequate nutrition from insects. If grown in a low-insect environment, occasional feeding with small insects is beneficial, but not essential.

Humidity

Prefers high humidity (over 50%), but will adapt to lower levels if kept moist. For indoor cultivation, occasional misting or placement near a humidity tray helps, but good airflow is also important.

Dormancy

Unlike some temperate sundews, Drosera capensis does not require a true dormancy. However, in colder conditions, growth may slow or the plant may die back partially; it typically recovers when temperatures rise again.

Common Problems

Leaf tips turning black
Cause: Mineral buildup from hard water, or natural aging of old leaves.
Solution: Use only pure water sources. Remove old, dead leaves as needed.

Leaves fail to produce “dew”
Cause: Air too dry, insufficient light, or root disturbance.
Solution: Increase humidity or light levels; allow time for the plant to recover from repotting or environmental stress.

Leaves discolor or burn
Cause: Too much direct sunlight without gradual acclimatization.
Solution: Allow the plant to gradually get used to brighter light by slowly increasing its exposure to direct sunlight.

Brown leaf edges
Cause: Hard tap water or excessive fertilizer concentration.
Solution: Use only soft (rain/demineralized) water and do not use chemical fertilizer.

Mold or algae on the soil
Cause: Poor air circulation, overwatering, or contaminated soil.
Solution: Ensure good airflow, avoid waterlogging, and use clean media for repotting.