Drosera capensis

Drosera capensis

Cape sundew

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Cape sundewCape drosera

Context

nativeRegion

Cape region of South Africa

usdaZones

9–11 (can be grown as a houseplant elsewhere)

companionPlants

Utricularia spp., Cephalotus follicularis, Pinguicula spp.

culturalUses

Primarily grown as an ornamental and for educational or entomological interest due to unique insect-trapping mechanism.

Care

LightBright, indirect sunlight to full sun. Can tolerate some direct sun, but avoid scorching midday light indoors.

WateringKeep constantly moist using distilled or rainwater. Avoid tap water due to mineral sensitivity. Standing water in tray is recommended.

SoilAcidic, nutrient-poor medium—typically a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite or sand. No fertilizer added to soil.

FertilizerNot needed; obtains nutrients from captured insects. Occasional foliar feeding for indoor specimens only if needed.

HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity (50–80%). Can adapt to lower humidity if soil moisture is constant.

TemperatureThrives between 15–28°C (59–82°F). Tolerates mild frost briefly but prefers temperatures above 5°C (41°F).

HabitHerbaceous, perennial carnivorous plant with erect or drooping rosettes of narrow leaves.

Mature SizeUp to 30 cm (12 in) tall; rosettes typically 5–15 cm (2–6 in) wide.

Growth RateFast-growing under suitable conditions; seedlings mature in about 18 months.

BloomingProduces tall scapes of small, pink to white flowers, primarily spring to summer. Flowers can self-pollinate.

DormancyOptional; may slow growth in cooler winter temperatures but generally evergreen.

MethodsSeed, Leaf cuttings, Root cuttings

DifficultyEasy

Best SeasonSpring to summer

PruningRemove dead leaves and spent flower stalks to prevent mold and encourage growth.

RepottingRepot every 1–2 years to replenish soil and avoid compaction.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to aphids, fungus gnats, and mold if kept too wet or overcrowded. Root rot possible in anaerobic conditions.

ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.

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