Cape sundew (Drosera capensis)
Discover Drosera capensis, the Cape sundew, a carnivorous perennial perfect for bogs. Grow in full sun with wet soil conditions.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Cape sundew, Drosera capensis, is highly valued by carnivorous plant enthusiasts for its striking appearance and easy propagation. This unique herbaceous perennial originates from the damp, open habitats of South Africa, captivating observers with its specialized, sticky, glandular hairs that resemble morning dew—hence the common name, cape sundew. As a natural insect deterrent, this species provides functional pest control while offering dynamic, textural appeal in specialized gardens.
Mature Drosera capensis plants develop into appealing rosettes, reaching up to 6 inches tall and spreading equally wide. The plant’s main draw is its foliage, which features linear blades covered in fine red tentacles that catch unsuspecting prey. If you are looking to introduce an accessible yet fascinating carnivorous plant to your collection, the robust nature of Drosera capensis makes it an excellent starting point.
Successful cultivation requires meeting its stringent moisture and light demands. Gardeners must commit to its high maintenance level, primarily focusing on providing constant moisture and intense illumination. Despite these needs, the relative ease of growing Drosera capensis compared to some other insectivorous species secures its popularity among collectors globally.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Droseraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: South Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2.5-6 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Wet
- Maintenance Level: High
How to Grow
Planting the Drosera capensis should occur in spring after the last risk of frost has passed, ideally in bog gardens, pond edges, or containers where soil moisture can be strictly controlled. This plant thrives when placed in consistently moist, well-draining media; the preferred soil mix involves sphagnum moss augmented with sand and perlite to ensure aeration and drainage despite the high water requirement. Full sun exposure is crucial for developing the rich red coloration on the specialized leaf tentacles.
Watering is perhaps the most critical cultural requirement for the cape sundew. Never allow the soil to dry out completely; instead, use the tray method, keeping pots sitting in distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water at all times. The use of tap water is generally discouraged due to its mineral content, which can harm the sensitive roots of Drosera capensis. Fertilizing is unnecessary as the plant obtains nutrients by capturing insects with its sticky dew.
Drosera capensis can sometimes experience dormancy if exposed to consistent temperatures below 40°F, although it is hardy down to Zone 7. For growers in colder regions or those wishing for continuous growth, an indoor environment with supplemental, high-intensity lighting mimics its native conditions well. Propagation is simplified through easily rooted leaf cuttings, division, or collected seed.
Landscape Uses
The unique nature of the Drosera capensis makes it a spectacular accent plant rather than a mass border filler. It is perfect for creating specialized environments like mossy bog gardens or along the damp edges of small ponds where consistent wet conditions are natural. Their eye-catching, dewy foliage provides year-round visual interest, even when not blooming.
For container gardeners, Drosera capensis excels due to the ease of managing its specific soil and water needs within a controlled medium. They can be grouped with other moisture-loving bog plants, such as certain Sarracenia or pitcher plants, provided those companions also prefer full sun and nutrient-poor, acidic soil. Growing the cape sundew indoors allows gardeners outside of Zones 7-9 to enjoy this fascinating carnivorous perennial year-round.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Drosera capensis, commonly called cape sundew, is a carnivorous, herbaceous perennial native to marshes, seeps, stream banks, and in other moist, open habitats in the Cape region of South Africa. Mature plants will reach up to 6” tall and spread to form equally wide clumps. The leaves have 2” long petioles (leaf stalks) and 2” long, narrowly oblong to linear blades covered in sticky, glandular, red hairs used to capture insects. The genus name comes from the Greek word droseros meaning “dewy” for the gland-tipped hairs on the leaves, making the cape sundew a must-have.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This carnivorous plant generally exhibits no major pest or disease issues when grown correctly. The primary management concern revolves around water quality; ensure you only water Drosera capensis with rainwater or deionized water to prevent mineral buildup in the soil substrate that can scorch the foliage or inhibit nutrient uptake. If you notice the characteristic “dew” disappearing, inspect your light levels first, as insufficient sunlight is a common cultural stressor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cape sundew suitable for?
The Drosera capensis is hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9, meaning it can survive winter outdoors in those regions if planted properly in the ground or left in containers that do not freeze solid for extended periods.
How large does Cape sundew grow?
When fully mature, the cape sundew typically reaches a height between 2.5 and 6 feet tall, spreading outward to create clumps between 3 and 6 feet in spread.
What sun exposure does Cape sundew need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to thrive both horticulturally and aesthetically; insufficient light will lead to weak growth and reduced production of the sticky, insect-trapping tentacles.
When does Drosera capensis bloom?
The delicate pink flowers of the Drosera capensis usually appear during the peak growing season, generally from May through September.
Conclusion
The Cape sundew (Drosera capensis) offers exceptional value as a dynamic, insect-eating feature plant, easily grown by dedicated enthusiasts. Providing the necessary full sun and consistently wet conditions will reward you with vigorous growth and beautiful pink blooms. Check your local USDA zone compatibility now and plan to source your Drosera capensis from reputable suppliers for the best introduction to carnivorous gardening.
Propagation Tips
The ease of multiplying Drosera capensis contributes significantly to its popularity. The most straightforward method for home propagation is through leaf cuttings. Take a healthy, intact leaf, laying it flat upon moist, pure sphagnum moss or a peat/sand mix, ensuring the entire leaf, including the petiole, makes contact with the substrate. Keep the cutting consistently wet and warm in bright, indirect light. Within a few weeks, tiny plantlets will begin to emerge along the edges of the leaf, eventually developing into miniature versions of the parent cape sundew.
Division is another reliable technique, best timed for early spring just as the plant is emerging from any potential dormancy or if the rosette has become overly crowded. Carefully divide the thickened stem and root mass using a clean, sharp tool, ensuring each new section retains adequate roots to re-establish successfully. This practice helps maintain vigor in older clumps and provides immediate, larger specimens compared to starting from seed.
Starting Drosera capensis from seed is possible but requires patience and specific conditions. Sow fresh seeds sparsely directly onto the surface of wet, sterile media; do not cover them, as they require light for germination. Maintain high humidity and consistent warmth, though germination times can vary widely, sometimes taking several weeks to several months.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the critical time to transition your Drosera capensis into its active growing phase. If you allowed it to enter dormancy, slowly reintroduce it to warmer conditions and ensure constant moisture is restored using the tray method with purified water. Check containers for any root compaction, as spring is the ideal time for repotting into fresh, nutrient-free media.
Summer dictates maximum light and heat management for the cape sundew. Ensure it receives at least six hours of direct, unfiltered full sun daily. Continue to keep the water trays topped up, especially during hot spells, as the high water needs combined with intense sun can cause rapid dehydration if ignored. This is the peak blooming period.
As autumn approaches, monitor nighttime temperatures. If you are growing outdoors in marginal zones (7-8), you may need to prepare for bringing containers indoors or insulating outdoor bog gardens if temperatures consistently dip below 40°F. Reduce feeding slightly as insect activity wanes, but maintain water quality strictly.
Winter care focuses on either maintaining growth indoors under strong grow lights or encouraging a mild dormancy outdoors in Zones 7-9. If dormant, reduce watering slightly, keeping the soil merely damp rather than saturated, and protect the plants from hard freezes. If growing indoors continuously, maintain bright light and average room temperatures for steady, uninterrupted growth of the Drosera capensis.
