The Cape Sundew, Drosera capensis, is a captivating carnivorous plant prized for its glistening, dew-covered tentacles that effectively trap insects. Native to South Africa’s Cape region, it is well-suited for beginners due to its straightforward care requirements. Its striking appearance makes it a compelling addition to any plant collection.
Essential Care Requirements
Cape Sundews thrive when their environmental needs are met, ensuring robust growth and ample dew production.
Light
Cape Sundews require bright, direct sunlight, ideally at least six hours daily. Insufficient light reduces the plant’s sticky dew and can cause leaves to appear pale or elongated. A south-facing windowsill provides ample natural light. If natural light is limited, supplemental fluorescent or LED grow lights can meet their needs, often requiring 10-12 hours of artificial illumination per day.
Water
Water quality is crucial due to the Cape Sundew’s sensitivity to minerals. Use only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis (RO) water. Tap water contains dissolved solids that harm the plant over time. The “tray method” is effective: place the potted plant in a tray with one-third to one-half inch of water, allowing absorption from the bottom. The soil should remain consistently moist and never dry out completely.
Soil and Potting Medium
Cape Sundews need a nutrient-poor, acidic potting medium, mimicking their natural bog habitats. An ideal mix consists of sphagnum peat moss combined with perlite or horticultural sand, often in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. Regular potting soil is unsuitable due to its rich nutrient content. Fertilizers should never be added, as the plant gets nutrients from captured insects. Plastic pots are preferred over terracotta, which can leach harmful minerals.
Temperature and Humidity
Cape Sundews are adaptable, thriving in daytime temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They tolerate cooler nighttime temperatures. While adaptable to typical indoor humidity, higher humidity (40-70%) promotes better dew production and growth. If indoor air is dry, a humidity tray or room humidifier can help.
Feeding Your Cape Sundew
Cape Sundews obtain nutrients, particularly nitrogen, from captured insects. Outdoors, they are usually self-sufficient. For indoor plants, occasional supplemental feeding with small insects (e.g., fruit flies, gnats, rehydrated bloodworms) can support vigorous growth, though not strictly necessary for survival.
The food item should be small, roughly one-third the size of the leaf, to prevent overwhelming the plant. Avoid human food or anything too large, as this can lead to leaf decay. Overfeeding can harm the plant; feed every two to three weeks if supplementing.
Propagation and Repotting
Cape Sundews are easy to propagate. They produce seeds, which can be sown on the growing medium surface without covering, as they require light for germination. Leaf cuttings are another effective method: a healthy leaf placed on moist sphagnum moss or floated in distilled water will produce new plantlets. Root cuttings are also viable; a section of root placed on the soil surface encourages new growth.
Repotting is necessary every one to two years, or when the plant outgrows its container (indicated by roots emerging from drainage holes or slowed growth). The best time to repot is during the active growing season, ideally spring or fall, avoiding flowering periods. Use the recommended nutrient-poor soil mix and handle the plant gently to minimize root disturbance. After repotting, water thoroughly to help the soil settle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Observing changes in your Cape Sundew’s appearance can indicate care issues. Addressing these promptly helps restore health.
Loss of dew often signals inadequate light, humidity, or unsuitable water. Increasing light, improving humidity, and using mineral-free water can restore dew. Browning or blackening leaves might suggest too much direct sun for an unacclimated plant, overfeeding, or mineral burn from tap water. Adjusting light, reducing feeding, and switching to appropriate water can mitigate these symptoms.
Pests like aphids can affect Cape Sundews, appearing as small white dots. Manual removal is a gentle approach. In severe cases, a systemic insecticide formulated for carnivorous plants can be used with caution, ensuring good ventilation. Legginess, characterized by stretched-out growth, indicates insufficient light. Providing more direct light encourages compact, healthy growth.