Drosera capensis | Cape Sundew

Native to the Cape in South Africa, the Cape sundew is a small rosette-forming carnivorous species of perennial sundew. Very easy to grow, the strap-like leaves are covered in brightly coloured tentacles which secrete a sticky mucilage that attracts and then traps smaller houseflies, midges and mosquitos. When insects are first trapped, the leaves roll lengthwise toward the centre, this aids digestion and can take up to six hours. An ideal starter plant, much easier to grow than the Venus flytrap and perfect for growing with other houseplants to take care of any sciarid flies that may be present. Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from. Home care: Water this carnivorous plant from below during the growing season by sitting the pot in a saucer that is filled with 1cm of soft water. To keep humidity high, keep the plant on a thin layer of washed horticultural gravel or small pebbles. During the dormant season (autumn-winter), water when the compost gets dry, ensuring any excess water can drain away freely. Pot on (if required) in spring using a specialist carnivorous compost.