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Drosera capensis, or Cape Sundew, is a very easy sundew
to grow. It is native to the Cape region of South Africa.
They are perennial, with a stem of 8-14 inches high and linear
leaves tapered toward the base. The leaves are densely
covered with hairs that secrete a sticky sap that
attracts insects. The hairs cover the top surface of the
leaves and provide a moist appearance that is
irresistable to insects. Once an insect is trapped on a
leaf, the leaf curls around the insect. Drosera secretes
digestive enzymes into this mix when it detects an insect
and this continues until the insect is liquified and its
soluble contents digested. It is one of the easiest of
the Drosera to grow. The active tentacle traps of 4 cm
length and 8 mm wide are quite beautiful. Tentacles are
coloured in red if the plant is under the sun.
The plants bloom in the Fall with scapes that have
numerous, 6 to 20, small pinkish flowers up to 1 cm long.
The flowers are self-pollinating, and when seedpods dry
they produce hundreds of viable seeds.
Hardiness zones 8-10, (1°C/35°F, -10°C/15°F) in
Winter. They should be grown in bright light, but with
protection from full midday sun. In cloudy coastal areas,
artificial light is preferable. Pale stringy growth
indicates more light is needed and a healthy plant will
have red on the tentacles. Temperatures should be kept
between (20°C/25°C, 68°F/76°F).
They grow well in a standard peat moss/sand which can be
anything from 50% to 70% peat moss. There's no need to
fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for food. The
humidity should be between 60-80%.
Water must be distilled or rain water because they do not
tolerate city or hard water. It is a good idea to place a
pie pan or large saucer, with about an inch of water in
it, under the pot. This one prefers slightly drier
conditions than most, so it's advisable to let the water
tray dry out before refilling. Elevate the pot by placing
pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is barely in
contact with the water, not submerged; the growing medium
must stay moist, but never soggy. This will keep the
humidity around the plant higher and it will ensure that
the plant has a constant source of moisture. During the
Winter months, water should be alternated between wet and
dry periods.
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