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Drosera capensis: The Cape Sundew

Introduction:

The Drosera capensis is known for its long, slender leaves covered in glandular hairs that exude a sticky, dew-like substance. These "dew" droplets attract insects, which become stuck and are slowly digested by the plant. As the insect struggles, the sundew's leaves coil around the prey to aid digestion. The nutrients from the insects allow the plant to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. The Cape Sundew comes in several forms, including the standard green variety, an alba (all-green) form without red pigmentation, and the 'red' variety with vibrant red hues.

History:

The Drosera capensis is native to the Cape region of South Africa, where it grows in nutrient-poor environments such as bogs, marshes, and wetlands. It is one of the easiest carnivorous plants to grow and is often the first choice for beginners interested in growing carnivorous plants. Its ability to catch a wide variety of small insects makes it a helpful plant for controlling pests like fruit flies and gnats in the home.

Care Outline:

• Light: Drosera capensis thrives in bright, direct light. Full sun or bright grow lights will encourage the plant to produce the sticky dew on its leaves. A lux level of 10,000 to 30,000 lux is ideal. It can handle direct sunlight for several hours a day.
• Water: Use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water only, as the plant is sensitive to minerals in tap water. Keep the soil consistently moist by using the tray method—place the pot in a shallow tray of water and let the plant absorb moisture from below. Never let the soil dry out completely.
• Humidity: The Cape Sundew can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefers 50% to 80%. It will thrive in normal household conditions but grows best in higher humidity.
• Temperature: The plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), but it can tolerate brief dips as low as 40°F (4°C). It does not require a dormancy period, unlike many other carnivorous plants.
• Soil: Use a nutrient-poor mix of peat moss and perlite (or silica sand). Avoid using potting soil or any soil with added fertilizers, as these will harm the plant.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize the plant, as it obtains all the nutrients it needs from the insects it catches. Applying fertilizer can damage or kill the plant.
• Propagation: Drosera capensis can be propagated easily through seeds, leaf cuttings, and division. It self-seeds readily, and new plants often appear near the parent plant.

Light and Lux Rating:

Drosera capensis requires bright, direct sunlight or strong grow lights to thrive. A lux rating of 10,000 to 30,000 lux is optimal. Direct sunlight encourages the plant to produce the glistening dew on its tentacles, which is essential for trapping insects.

• Natural Light: Place the plant in a bright, sunny windowsill, preferably one that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day (a south-facing window is ideal).
• Artificial Light: If growing indoors under artificial lights, use full-spectrum grow lights for 12–16 hours per day to mimic natural sunlight.

Propagation:

1. Seed Propagation:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer.
• Steps:
  1. Sow fresh seeds on the surface of moist peat moss or a peat-perlite mix.
  2. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
  3. Keep the soil moist and place the container in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
  4. Seeds will typically germinate within 2–4 weeks.

2. Leaf Cuttings:

• Best Time: Spring or summer during the growing season.
• Steps:
  1. Cut a healthy leaf and lay it flat on a moist medium (such as peat moss or sphagnum moss).
  2. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment, covered with a plastic dome or bag to maintain moisture.
  3. Within a few weeks, small plantlets will emerge from the base of the leaf.

3. Division:

• Best Time: Early spring when repotting.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully divide the roots and growth points.
  2. Replant the divisions into separate pots with a peat-perlite mix.
  3. Water thoroughly and place in a bright, sunny location.

Soil for Drosera capensis:

A nutrient-poor, well-draining soil mix is essential for this plant to thrive. The best mix includes:

• Peat moss (for moisture retention).
• Perlite or silica sand (for drainage and aeration).

Avoid any soil mixes with fertilizers, as these can harm the plant.

Watering Requirements:

Always use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water to avoid mineral build-up, which can damage the plant. The tray method is ideal for keeping the soil consistently moist, which is critical for the health of Drosera capensis.

Fertilizing:

Do not fertilize your Drosera capensis. The plant will catch and digest small insects like gnats, fruit flies, and ants, which provide all the nutrients it needs. Fertilizer can lead to root burn and may kill the plant.

Repotting:

• When to Repot: Repot your Cape Sundew every 1–2 years, or when it outgrows its pot.
• Best Time: Early spring is the best time to repot, just before the growing season begins.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot, shaking off excess soil.
  2. Replant in a larger pot with fresh, nutrient-poor soil.
  3. Water thoroughly and place the plant in a sunny spot to encourage new growth.