Why isn't my Cape Sundew producing dew?
Lack of dew is often due to insufficient light, low humidity, or mineral buildup in the soil or water. Ensure it receives bright, indirect light and use only distilled or rainwater.
Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis)
Drosera capensis, the Cape Sundew, is a carnivorous plant famed for its sticky tentacles that trap insects, making it a popular and fascinating specimen for plant enthusiasts.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light is optimal.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, use distilled or rainwater.
Soil
A well-draining, nutrient-poor mix is essential. A common blend includes peat moss and perlite or sand in a 1:1 ratio. Avoid standard potting soil or fertilizers.
Temperature
Average room temperatures are suitable.
Habitat
House Plant, Indoor, Greenhouse, Outdoor
Fertilizer
Does not require traditional fertilization.
Care Requirements
Light
Bright, indirect light is optimal.
Avoid prolonged direct sun which can scorch leaves.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist, use distilled or rainwater.
Tray watering is recommended.
Soil
A well-draining, nutrient-poor mix is essential. A common blend includes peat moss and perlite or sand in a 1:1 ratio. Avoid standard potting soil or fertilizers.
Temperature
Average room temperatures are suitable.
Avoid extreme fluctuations.
Habitat
House Plant, Indoor, Greenhouse, Outdoor
Fertilizer
Does not require traditional fertilization.
Nutrients are obtained from trapped insects.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Pot, Ground
Plant Environment
House Plant, Indoor, Greenhouse, Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
0.1-0.2 m
Spread
0.15-0.3 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green, Red
Leaf Type
Spatulate
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
50000
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · FebPeak fruit · Feb
FloweringFruiting
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderCaryophyllales
- familyDroseraceae
- genusDrosera
- speciesDrosera capensis
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. A tray watering method, where the pot sits in a shallow dish of water, is highly effective. Use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water only.
Pruning is generally not required for Drosera capensis. Remove any dead or dying leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Trimming can be done to manage size or shape if desired, but it is not essential for the plant's survival.
Easily propagated from leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or seeds. Leaf cuttings can be placed on moist medium, and they will root and produce plantlets. Division of mature plants is also an effective method.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a fresh, nutrient-poor carnivorous plant mix. Ensure the new pot is slightly larger than the old one, and avoid compacting the soil too much.
FAQs
What kind of water should I use for Drosera capensis?
Only use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water and mineral-rich bottled water can harm the plant by causing mineral buildup in the soil.
Can I feed my Cape Sundew insects?
Yes, it catches its own food. If it's not catching enough insects, you can occasionally feed it small insects like fruit flies or bloodworms, but avoid overfeeding.
Does Drosera capensis need fertilizer?
No, traditional fertilizers are harmful. It obtains nutrients from captured insects. If insect prey is scarce, a very dilute specialized carnivorous plant fertilizer can be used sparingly.
How do I repot my Cape Sundew?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring using a nutrient-poor mix like peat moss and perlite. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one and avoid compacting the soil.