Species cape sundew
red-yellow foliage with pink-red hairs

cape sundew

Drosera capensis

The Cape sundew (Drosera capensis) is an amazing plant species native to the wetlands of South Africa. With small leaves covered with special adhesive tentacles, the Cape sundew is a carnivorous plant that feeds on insects and other small prey. Its leaves range in color from deep red to light pink, making it a beautiful addition to any garden. The intense color of its tentacles attract small prey, while its digestive enzymes quickly break down their nutrients. This species is ideal for any carnivore enthusiast, and is an excellent way to bring a bit of the African wilderness to your backyard.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Leaf Cutting,Seed Propagation,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Cape sundews require moderate watering to stay healthy and happy. Aim to keep the soil of the plant moist but not soggy. It is best to water at the base of the plant, directly into the soil, rather than watering the foliage. A good practice is to water the plant every 7-10 days, making sure to water in enough to reach the base of the plant and to moisten the soil. During winter months, watering can be reduced to once every 2-3 weeks, and in the early stages of dormancy, the plant may only need to be watered every 4-6 weeks. It is important to do a thorough watering when you do water, as this will ensure the soil does not become too dry. If the plant is in an area with very low humidity or direct sunlight, you may need to water it more often.

sunlight

Cape sundews require a lot of direct sunlight to thrive and flower. During the summer months, it needs full sun for at least 6 hours every day, while in the winter, it needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is important to note that direct sunlight is recommended for this type of plant, as indirect light will not provide enough energy for it to thrive. Cape sundews should be grown in an area that receives as much full sun during the day as possible. When grown indoors, the plant should be placed directly in front of a south-facing window in order to receive the most sunlight.

pruning

Cape sundews (Drosera capensis) should be pruned once a year in the summer months, in order to keep them healthy and prevent overgrowth. Pruning should be done before the flowering period, which occurs in the late spring/early summer. The majority of the pruning should be focused on removing dead or damaged foliage, as well as any unruly stems or stalks. This can be done with a sharp pair of scissors, or you can pinch off the excess material with your hands. Pruning can help to encourage the plant to produce new growth, and should be done until the desired shape and size is achieved. Avoid pruning living plant material, and make sure to cut the stems back to the base of the plant, or just above a substantial growth node. By keeping the areas free of dead and damaged foliage, the plant will be able to better capture sunlight and improve its overall health.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Drosera capensis typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Drosera capensis typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map