Drosera capensis

Description de la plante carnivore

Drosera capensis is a carnivorous plant of the Droseraceae family native to South Africa. It grows in humid and acidic environments such as peat bogs and swamps.

The particularity of this plant is that it is capable of capturing insects thanks to its leaves modified into tentacles equipped with sticky glands. When an insect lands on a leaf, the tentacles close and the sticky glands produce a digestive substance that allows the plant to absorb the insect's nutrients.

Drosera capensis also produces small pink or white flowers that attract pollinating insects. The plant can be grown in a pot provided you provide it with a suitable substrate and demineralized water or rainwater because it is very sensitive to the mineral salts contained in tap water.

Very easy to grow carnivorous plant that is perfect for beginners.

Maintenance tips :

Temperature: Between 15°C and 40°C, can withstand freezing temperatures down to -5°C, but only for short periods with positive daytime temperatures.
Water: For watering, I recommend that you opt for a capillary method, making sure to constantly maintain a water level of at least 3 cm, using rain, demineralized or osmosis water.
Light: Full sun or near a sunny window to ensure optimal growth. If natural light is insufficient, consider using suitable artificial lighting, including LEDs.
Dormancy: Does not require a rest period in winter. However, if you choose to grow Drosera capensis outdoors in cold weather, the plant goes dormant during the winter, losing its aerial part and growing back from its roots in spring. You can learn more about proper care here.
Substrate: Choose a substrate with blond sphagnum peat mixed with perlite. (I recommend a mixture of 50% peat and 50% perlite.) You can also find a special substrate designed for carnivorous plants in our online store here.