Drosera capensis ‘alba’ is a specific cultivar of the Cape Sundew, a carnivorous plant. Unlike other Cape Sundew varieties, ‘alba’ lacks red pigmentation, characterized by its entirely green foliage, white tentacles, and white flowers. Its unique coloration and dew-covered leaves make it a captivating addition to any plant collection. These plants effectively attract and trap small insects using their sticky, glandular leaves.
Caring for Drosera capensis ‘alba’
Light
Drosera capensis ‘alba’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, essential for healthy growth and dew production. Indoor cultivation benefits from a sunny windowsill, ideally south-facing, for significant direct sunlight. When using grow lights, maintain a 10 to 12-hour day length and position the lights approximately 6 to 10 inches above the plants.
Water
The mineral content of water is critical for Drosera capensis ‘alba’, as these plants are highly sensitive to minerals and salts. Use distilled water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, or rainwater exclusively. The tray method is recommended: place the pot in a tray with a few inches of pure water to keep the soil consistently moist, mimicking their natural boggy habitat.
Potting Medium
A nutrient-poor, acidic potting medium is necessary for Drosera capensis ‘alba’. A common and effective mix consists of four parts fertilizer-free sphagnum peat moss to one part perlite, or a 1:1 ratio of peat moss and sand. Avoid standard potting soils, compost, or any medium containing fertilizers, as their mineral and nutrient content will harm the plant. Ensure the peat moss used is pure and does not have added nutrients.
Temperature and Humidity
Drosera capensis ‘alba’ adapts to a wide temperature range, thriving between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 27 degrees Celsius). They can tolerate brief periods outside this range, including short freezes or heat up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). While adaptable to varying humidity, higher levels (40-70%) benefit robust growth and dew production. Placing the plant in a humidity tray or using a room humidifier can help maintain optimal moisture.
Feeding
Drosera capensis ‘alba’ primarily obtains nutrients by capturing insects with its sticky “dew.” The plant’s leaves are covered in glandular tentacles that secrete a viscous fluid, which attracts, traps, and digests small insects like gnats, fruit flies, and house flies. If grown indoors without natural prey, supplemental feeding can promote more vigorous growth. Suitable food includes small insects, such as fruit flies or rehydrated bloodworms, placed directly onto the dewy leaves. Feeding is not always necessary, as the plant can sustain itself, but it enhances nutrient status and photosynthetic performance.
Propagating Drosera capensis ‘alba’
Drosera capensis ‘alba’ can be propagated easily through several methods. Leaf cuttings are a common technique: healthy leaves are cut into sections and placed on a growing medium or floated in pure water. New plantlets typically develop from these sections within a few weeks. Root cuttings are another effective method, particularly when repotting, as this plant can readily regrow from its roots.
Seed propagation is also viable, with seeds often produced abundantly from the plant’s self-pollinating flowers. Seeds should be sown on a carnivorous plant soil mix, lightly covered, and kept moist in a humid environment with bright, indirect light. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks, though some species may require cold stratification. These plants are known to self-seed, leading to new plantlets appearing in the same pot or nearby.
Common Issues and Solutions
A common issue with Drosera capensis ‘alba’ is a lack of dew production, which often indicates insufficient light. Increasing the light intensity and duration, such as moving the plant to a brighter windowsill or adjusting grow lights, can help restore dew. Low humidity or impure water can also contribute to this problem.
Leaves turning black can be a natural part of the plant’s aging process, as older leaves die back from the base. However, widespread blackening or limp leaves might suggest overwatering, poor drainage, or high mineral content in the water. Ensuring proper watering practices with pure water and a well-draining medium can resolve these issues. Stunted or sluggish growth is often linked to improper water quality or an unsuitable potting medium. If the plant is not thriving, flushing the soil with distilled water or repotting into fresh, appropriate soil can help remove mineral buildup and encourage renewed growth.