Cape Sundew

Drosera capensis

Scientific name

This is a free-flowering, robust, carnivorous, evergreen perennial, of varying height, but usually around 150 mm. The 15-30, simple, pink-mauve flowers are borne on a single stem and mature in ascending order. Tiny black seeds are formed in the capsules. Flowers are open very briefly for a few hours with good sunlight. The flowers can be pollinated by insects, but are usually self-pollinated. When the seeds are ripe, their capsules open to release the fine, light-weight seeds which fall out and are dispersed near the parent plants.

Probably the most interesting characteristic of this plant is its ability to digest the nutrients, especially the nitrogen it requires from insects caught in its stalked tentacles. The tentacles are sensitive and mobile. The stalks end in a bulbous head in which the glandular cells occur. These glands secrete a glistening, sticky, clear fluid used to trap and retain prey. There is speculation that the fluid is slightly sweetly scented to attract insects. The fluid contains a weak acid and enzymes that digest the soft parts of its prey. The sensitive tentacles are able to detect caught prey and produce more dew to entrap their victim. Neighbouring tentacles then mobilize and slowly lean over to engulf the hapless victim. The leaf itself may also fold over to enclose or suffocate larger prey and allow for better absorption. As sensitive as these tentacles are, they are able to distinguish between a meal and other stimuli, for example, the leaf and tentacles do not respond to water droplets.

Propagation instructions

By seed

The Cape sundew is easily propagated by seed. Prepare a 9 cm pot with 1 part sand or silica grit: 1 peat or sphagnum moss in 10-15 cm pots are ideal, water well. Sow fresh seeds on the surface in moist growth media. Do not cover with soil.

By cutting

The Cape sundew is easily propagated by cuttings. It tolerates a variety of soils which low in nutrients. Place the potted plants in a 1-3 cm saucer filled with fresh water to remain moist at all times. Partially cover the healthy living root or leaf cuttings with growth media. Place in a well-lit area but not in direct sunlight. Cover pots with plastic to retain humidity. Once young leaves develop, pierce the plastic to allow for acclimatization and hardening off. Place in a northern or eastern direction for best sunlight if growing indoors. Grow in full sun to semi-shade outdoors. Acidic or epiphytic foliar feed may be used at ¼ recommended strength once a month.