Cape sundew (Drosera capensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Cape sundew on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Droseraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 1 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Cape sundew
Drosera capensis, also known as Cape Sundew, is a fascinating carnivorous plant native to South Africa. Its elongated leaves are covered in sticky tentacles that trap insects, glistening with 'dew' droplets that give it a frosted, beautiful appearance. It is ideal for humid terrariums or as an indoor plant in a prominent spot where its hunting mechanism can be appreciated.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires bright but indirect light, ideally from an east-facing window or with filtered light. Watering must be constant, always using distilled, rainwater, or demineralized water, keeping the substrate moist or with a tray of water underneath. Use a specific carnivorous plant substrate, such as nutrient-free sphagnum peat moss mixed with perlite or quartz sand. A common mistake is watering with tap water, which can be fatal due to minerals and chlorine.
How to save a dying Cape sundew
- Warning signs
- Leaves losing sticky dew, turning black or brown, wilting and lacking vigor.
- First aid
- Move to bright, indirect light. Ensure substrate is constantly moist with distilled/rainwater. Increase ambient humidity.
- What kills it
- Dry substrate, tap water with minerals, strong direct sun exposure, or lack of humidity.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are healthy. With proper care, it can regrow from the base.