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Cape Sundew: Indoor Plant Care

Up Close Leaf Of A Cape Sundew Plant

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Cape Sundew or Drosera capensis is probably the easiest sundew to grow indoors or outdoors.

This carnivorous plant gets its name from sticky mucilage that forms on the colorful tentacles that appear all over the plant’s long slim leaves, that looks a lot like water droplets.

The leaves on the Cape Sundew entrap the unsuspecting insect, curling completely around it and eventually absorbing the insect.

You have to be quick to enjoy the pink flowers that appear around late spring or early summer. They only last for one day, opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon.

In terms of height and spread, the plant will grow to 6’’H x 8” W.

Cape Sundew Care

Planting

Plant in a pot measuring between 4-6 inches in height, filling with an equal mix of sphagnum moss and perlite.

[Important: Don’t use potting mix as it will kill the plant.]

Light

Set in a bright spot and open the window to allow insects to visit the plant. Insects will be attracted to the plant and the plant will need 2-3 per month to survive.

Temperature

Cap Sundews will do best in temperatures ranging from 45 – 85 F (7 – 9 C).

Watering

Set the pot in a deep tray of distilled or rain water. If the plant is kept indoors, the warmer conditions will require the pot to remain in the water tray all year round.

In its natural outdoor environment, Cape Sundews become dormant in winter, requiring little or no water.

Feeding

Never feed a Cape Sundew.

Other Tips

Remove dead leaves and repot annually in fresh growing medium. Also remove flowers to prevent self- seeding.

 

Cape Sundew for Sale

Click here to buy online at Amazon

 

Like to see more amazing, easy to care for carnivorous plants?

Check out these beauties…

Venus Fly Trap: Venus-Fly-Trap-Care

Monkey Cup: monkey-cup-plant-care

Butterwort: butterwort-care

Pitcher Plants: pitcher-plant-care-indoors

 

Christine Mattner

What started out as purely a desire to keep my indoor plants alive has turned into a full-blown passion for sharing what I have learned over the years about selecting, growing and caring for indoor plants with those who may be new to the wonderful world of houseplants.

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