Drosera capensis

Native to the Cape in South Africa, Drosera capensis lure and capture their prey using stalked mucilaginous glands, which produce a sticky glue-like substance, covering the surfaces of the leaves. A rosette of light-green leaves is lined with deep-red, sticky glands, which roll up over the prey while the substance produced by the glands helps the plant digest the prey. All leaves may die back for winter dormancy for these ‘sundews’, in which case all leaves turning black can be trimmed away.

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist using rainwater or soft water only, as lime within our tap water can be absorbed by carnivorous plants and lead to rot. During late spring and summer months keep plants standing in around 2-3cm of rainwater to keep soil moist. During the winter months reduce watering and keep the plant in a cool but humid spot. A sheltered outdoor space may be ideal, to keep the plant away from sources of heat. 

Light requirements

Full sun, although keep sheltered from harsh afternoon rays in the summer. Provide with plenty of water during particularly sunny months.

Feed

No need for fertiliser as the traps will attract insects to digest for nutrients. If there are no flies where the plant is kept indoors, place the Sarracenia in an outdoor space on a warm, sunny day. 

Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years using a carnivorous plant compost, mixed with sand, to provide the plant with a little room to grow. 

Pot size / height

See available sizes below. Please note that, due to their natural variability, specimens' height may be within 10-20% of the stated height below.

Plant is supplied in its plastic nursery pot.