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TheCape Sundew , Drosera capensis ( Dra - si - ra Cap - PEN - sis ) is a carnivorous flora find only in the gardens of truthful plant lovers .
The species belongs to the Droseraceae family and Drosera genus . More commonly known as the Sundew works , and it never quit to vex .
It lures , capture , and support small glitch and insects ( like the Venus flytrap ) using its sticky leaves , which are cover with brightly colored tentacle .
These tentacles put out sticky gum that traps its prey .
While Sundew species are line up all around the world , the small , rosette - form perennial , Drosera capensis , is aboriginal to the Cape in South Africa .
Comparatively , it is easy to raise and broadcast thisspecies of carnivorous industrial plant . Cape Sundew (
Cape Sundew (Drosera) Care
Size & Growth
Drosera ( cape sundew ) capensis is a perennial , herbaceous plant . Meaning , this works does not have a tenacious woody base above the ground .
It is generally small in sizing and form a little potato .
Its leaves are covered in reddened hair’s-breadth that secretes a sticky liquid which traps the insect landing on the leaves – just like flypaper !
The leaves grow up to 1 ” – 1.5 ” inches in duration and around 0.2 ” – 0.5 ” in in width .
It form a rosette with a diameter of around 15 – 25 centimetre . The leaf is characterized by reddish glandular leaves .
Flowering and Fragrance
genus Drosera capensis starts to flower during the summer . As the temperatures increase get , wrangle of 15 – 30 minuscule five - petaled pinkish flowers appear flower stubble .
The prime are form like genus Viola and grow in a variety of different colors , rank from pallid reddish blue to whitish .
They have a timid , sweet smell that work out to attract dirt ball .
Light & Temperature
These plant enjoy sunshine and call for undimmed light in copiousness to grow and fly high . They do well in the full Lord’s Day or partial shade .
The idealistic temperature for Drosera capensis is a little over way temperature as they enjoy lovingness just as much as light .
During the summer , it is best to keep these plants outside in a sheltered location where they have lots of verbatim sunshine and warmth .
As temperature begin to dangle , preserve high-pitched temperatures to keep the works easy and healthy .
Keep it in a bright , sheltered position like a sunny windowsill during the wintertime .
Watering and Feeding
Drosera capensis needs to be water profoundly on regular basis . However , admit the dirt to dry out completely before watering the plant again .
This helps the roots produce hard and abstruse . Also , keep in nous it is advisable to use rainwater , purified or distilled water . Do not use water faucet weewee .
When it come to feed , the Drosera capensis is ego - sufficient , getting all the nourishment it ask from insect .
However , if there is no supply of dirt ball , use a weak liquid fertilizer to make certain the plant receives all important nutrients .
Soil & Transplanting
These plants expand and flourish best in flaxen peat moss stain mix or sphagnum moss moss . They do not get much nourishment from the soil .
Repotting is unnecessary as long as the pot is big enough . Transplant only when the flora starts to overgrow the Mary Jane .
Wait till saltation to repot your plant as this is the ideal time of the year to transfer Drosera capensis .
Grooming and Maintenance
Sundew capensis is easy to give care for . All the flora need is to get rid of the flush staunch once the flowers are gone .
slay the withered leaves to keep the flora in a good shape and aesthetically likeable .
How to Propagate Drosera Sundew
The Sundew plant life produce seeded player in abundance . On top of that , it is relatively leisurely to circulate from seminal fluid .
Sow the seeds in a propagating tray and set it in a partially shady place .
Moisten the seeds using purified weewee and keep the temperature at around 70 ° to 75 ° degrees Fahreinite .
Once the seedling grow large enough , move them to case-by-case pots filled with sphagnum moss or sandy peat soil .
Sundew Drosera Pest or Disease Problems
Cape sundew is a strong , tough plant with few disease or pests .
However , deficiency of insects to feed on can eventually harm the flora , turn its leaves pale .
This encounter because the plant life does not get enough alimentation .
course , the easiest way to deal with this problem is to habituate fertilizer .
The best approach is to employ only a very low measure of nitrate - base fertilizer .
Feed only during the warmer months of the year and ensure the plant is not over - fertilize .
Keep in brain that these plan require acidic conditions to survive .
If the flora looks tired of with the leaf turning yellow , utilise peat moss based soil and distilled water to restore the idealistic pH equipoise for the plant .
Suggested Drosera Cape Capensis Uses
Drosera capensis is a fast - growing plant that can experience on for years .
For years , it has been used in the handling of various ailments .
extract from the industrial plant have been recorded for employment against disorder like TB , coughs , ear and optic infection , etc .
It is also used in the production of tea which is believed to have aphrodisiac place .
As a houseplant , it can make a fascinating addition to any plant compendium with its distinctive leafage and sinful carnivorous properties .
