Drosera Capensis is also known as Cape Sundew, and it is the most common species of sundew plant around. It is so abundant because of its short maturation period and its ability to produce a large amount of seed which makes its propagation easy. It belongs to genus Drosera and family Droseraceae. Drosera originated from Africa but has since been propagated all over the world.
Here’s another one of our articles about Sundew plants along with Drosera: Sundew Plant: 5 Coolest Variety/Cultivars
Sundew and Dormancy
Dormancy is a period of inactivity and leaf loss which flytraps undergo during winter. Drosera Capensis typically do not require or undergo winter dormancy although many species of Sundew do experience it.
Consequently, this makes Drosera Capensis one of the most natural plants to raise. Once the cold winter is over, it will produce flowers that blossom quite beautifully.
Varieties of Sundew
Sundew varieties based on color:
-Drosera Capensis Red:
This form of Drosera Capensis grows with very bright red leaves under the right intensity of light. This plant does not thrive so well indoors as it would when planted outdoors. Hence, the best location for planting Drosera Capensis plant is outdoor.
-Drosera Capensis Albino:
This variety of Drosera Capensis develops beautiful bright pink stripes on its tentacles. Moreover, the pink coloration on the limbs can be a pointer to something wrong with your Sundew plant. Also, this happens due to two reasons, which are high light intensity or underfeeding of your flytrap. Finally, the lamina of this plant typically has a yellow coloration to complete and justify its albino title.
Sundew varieties based on leaf:
-Drosera Capensis Bains kloof:
This variety of Drosera Capensis rarely grows large. They tend to remain compact and with small leaves growing out of their stems. However, you should not take their size as an indication of how much they are fed, that’s just the way they are.
-Drosera Capensis Broad-leaf:
This class of Drosera Capensis typically grows larger than Bain kloof variety. The leaves are the widest of the known Drosera Capensis varieties.
-Drosera Capensis Wide- leaf:
The leaf size in this variety depends on how much it is fed. A well-fed plant can grow leaves so broad while a decrease in feeding causes a significant reduction in leaf size of the plant. You can use the leaves as a diagnosis for how much they are fed.
-Drosera Capensis Giant:
It is an enormous variety of Drosera Capensis. They can grow up to an impressive 60cm. You can easily differentiate a true giant by observing its petioles which are more elongated than the other Drosera Capensis.
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Ways of Propagating a Sundew
Your plant can be propagated using three different methods. They are seed, leaf-cutting and root cutting.
Sundew Propagation Through Seeds:
It is the easiest method of cultivation. Just spread your seeds in an already rinsed medium and all will be fine. Also, it takes about a year for your plant to attain maturity after planting.
Sundew Propagation Through Leaf Cuttings:
It has the least success rate among the propagation techniques. It requires extreme care. Carefully pluck a lead from the stem with the stalk still intact. Then plant it on the media. We recommend that you place the newly propagated plant under fluorescent life. This increase the success rate.
Sundew Propagation Through Root Cuttings:
Cut a portion of the long and thick root of a healthy Drosera Capensis plant. Transplant it in your already prepared water tray. Continue to water it. When it becomes mature, you can transplant it to your medium.
Growing and caring for your sundew plant
- Your plant will grow on pretty much any medium. It isn’t one of the particular types. Rinse your medium before using it.
- Use a pot of about 4 inches, note however that your plant will thrive in most pot sizes.
- Be careful with moisture as your plant do not fancy moist too much. Dry media is better than soggy wet media.
- Feed your plant if planted indoor regularly with ants and little insects. If you want your plant to go through the flowering stage, the more you feed them, the better.
- Your plants will thrive best in a temperature of between 45 to 90 degree.
- Do not ever give up on your plant. They are more resilient than they look. Even if your plant is looking all dried up and dead, water it and watch to come back to life.
