Drosera Capensis 'True Giant'

Drosera Capensis 'True Giant': The Mighty Cape Sundew

Introduction:

The Drosera capensis 'True Giant' is a larger and more vigorous variety of the Cape Sundew, capable of growing up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall in ideal conditions. Its long, ribbon-like leaves are covered in dew-producing tentacles that attract, trap, and digest insects, providing the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. This variety is known for its robust growth and larger-than-average leaves, making it a standout in any carnivorous plant collection.

History:

The Drosera capensis species is native to the Cape region of South Africa and is one of the most widely distributed and cultivated sundews in the world. The 'True Giant' variety is a selected form that exhibits much larger growth than the standard Drosera capensis, making it popular for those who want a more dramatic carnivorous plant. Like all sundews, this plant has adapted to capture and digest insects as a way to supplement the poor nutrient levels in its native soils.

Care Outline:

• Light: Drosera capensis 'True Giant' thrives in bright, direct light, which helps produce the dew on its leaves necessary for trapping insects. It can handle several hours of direct sunlight each day, or bright, indirect light for most of the day. Aim for 10,000 to 30,000 lux.
• Water: The plant requires consistently moist soil. Use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water only, as it is highly sensitive to the minerals in tap water. The tray method works best for this plant: place the pot in a shallow tray of water and keep it filled so the plant can absorb moisture from below.
• Humidity: Drosera capensis 'True Giant' is not as fussy about humidity as some other carnivorous plants. It will thrive in normal household humidity levels but prefers 50%–70% humidity for optimal growth.
• Temperature: The plant prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) but can tolerate cooler temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) for brief periods. It does not require a dormancy period like some other carnivorous plants.
• Soil: Use a nutrient-poor, well-draining mix of peat moss and perlite (or silica sand). Avoid using any type of nutrient-rich potting soil, as it will harm the plant.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize the plant. Like all sundews, Drosera capensis 'True Giant' gets its nutrients from the insects it traps. Fertilizer can burn the roots and harm or kill the plant.
• Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate through leaf cuttings, seeds, or division. Its vigorous growth means it can produce new plants relatively quickly.

Light and Lux Rating:

The Drosera capensis 'True Giant' thrives in bright, direct light with a lux rating of 10,000 to 30,000 lux. Direct sunlight will help the plant produce more dew on its leaves, which is essential for capturing prey.

• Natural Light: Place the plant in a sunny spot, like a south-facing window, where it can receive several hours of direct sunlight each day. If the light is too intense, you can move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.
• Artificial Light: If growing indoors under artificial light, ensure the plant gets at least 12–16 hours of light per day from full-spectrum grow lights.

Propagation:

1. Leaf Cuttings:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer during the active growing season.
• Steps:
  1. Cut a healthy leaf and place it flat on a moist, nutrient-poor medium like peat moss or sphagnum moss.
  2. Cover the leaf with a plastic dome or place it in a humid environment.
  3. After a few weeks, small plantlets will begin to form along the leaf's surface.

2. Seed Propagation:

• Best Time: Spring or early summer.
• Steps:
  1. Sow fresh seeds on the surface of moist peat or sphagnum moss. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
  2. Keep the container in a warm, bright spot with high humidity.
  3. Seeds will typically germinate within a few weeks.

3. Division:

• Best Time: When the plant has developed multiple growth points.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully divide the roots and rosettes.
  2. Replant each division in a separate pot with a nutrient-poor soil mix.
  3. Water thoroughly and keep in bright light.

Soil for Drosera capensis 'True Giant':

A nutrient-poor, well-draining mix is crucial for healthy growth. A good mix includes:

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

This mix mimics the nutrient-poor soils the plant is used to in its natural habitat.

Watering Requirements:

• Always use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged by using the tray method. Place the pot in a shallow tray of water and keep it filled so the plant can absorb moisture from below.

Fertilizing:

Do not fertilize your Drosera capensis 'True Giant'. It will obtain the necessary nutrients from the insects it captures, such as flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. Fertilizer will likely harm the plant by burning the roots.

Repotting:

• When to Repot: Repot the plant every 1–2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
• Best Time: Spring is the best time to repot, just before the active growing season begins.
• Steps:
  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil.
  2. Replant in a larger pot with fresh, nutrient-poor soil.
  3. Water thoroughly and return the plant to a bright, sunny spot.