Drosera capensis varieties

Drosera capensis (the Cape Sundew) is the most common sundew in cultivation, since it is so easy to grow (once you give it favorable conditions). Drosera capensis originates from the subtropical Cape region of South Africa. Drosera capensis is commonly known to become a weed in sundew collections because the tall flower stalks produce large amounts of seeds. Drosera capensis comes in many forms, including the typical, narrow-leaf, broad-leaf, wide-leaf, Red, Albino, Bainskloof, and Giant forms. All forms have all been very easy, and are eye-catching sundews. I will break each form down at the end of the page.

Leaves from the 'Albino' (left) and 'Typical' (right)

Drosera capensis 'Red' (not fed) grown under lights next to another D. capensis 'Red' plant that was fed.

Drosera capensis (typical form) grown indoors

Flowers from Drosera capensis (typical form)

Drosera capensis 'Albino' grown under lights

Forms of Drosera Capensis

Drosera capensis (Bainskloof)
This form of Drosera capensis remains rather compact and does not get very large, regardless of how much it is fed, or how tall of a pot I have used. It eventually forms a stem over time, which is supported by dead growth. This sundew has never flowered for me.

Drosera capensis "Broad-Leaf"
This is a stunning form of D. capensis with leaves that are much wider than the typical form. I do not have this form yet.

Drosera capensis "Wide Leaf"
I am not impressed by this form. It is rather ugly and the leaves aren't all that wide. The petioles are rather wide, which makes for an odd-looking plant. Forms a stem over time. This sundew has never flowered for me.

Drosera capensis "Giant"
Supposedly, this plant is supposed to reach 60cm tall, and I have seen a picture of the true form. However, I believe that many "Giants" circulating around in cultivation are not the true "Giant" form. In my experience, I've noticed that the petioles are more elongated in comparison with the leaf than the 'Typical' form.

Media: Can grow well in pretty much any medium. I have successfully grown Drosera capensis in 1 peat: 1 sand, pure Long-fibered sphagnum (LFS) 1 LFS: 1 perlite. Be sure to rinse your media before you use it

Media moisture: moist, though Drosera capensis can tolerate drier soils farily well.

Humidity: not much needed. I'd recommend at least 50%.

Pot height: Drosera capensis grow in most sizes of pots. I'd recommend 4 inches or taller, since Drosera capensis can develop a a long, branching root system. A tall pot will allow the roots to spread out, so the plant can reach its maximum height.

Trapping speed: moderate. Leaves will curl and fold drastically around food within a few hours.

Feeding: Feed your Drosera capensis once every two weeks for rapid, robust growth and flower production. See feeding page. Feeding encourages flowering.

Food size: medium to large

Plant dimensions: My typical form of D. capensis planted in a 12 inch pot reached 5+ inches across at maturity. Will form a stem over time. Drosera capensis 'Albino' will also generally form a stem over time. The giant form is supposed to grow exceptionally large, but so far it has remained the same size as my typical Drosera capensis. The 'Red form' grows about the same size as the 'Typical' form, but its leaves are narrower.

Temperature: not picky. Has grown well for me in the temp range of 45-90 degrees F. Give Drosera capensis subtropical conditions.

Lighting/Photoperiod: I grow mine under T-8 lights with a 16-hour photoperiod. Drosera capensis 'Typical' can develop red-orange leaves in intense light. The 'Red' form will turn completely red if given enough light. Drosera capensis 'Albino' form will develop light pink tentacles under strong lighting.

Dormancy requirements: None required. Can be grown year-round if grown indoors during the cold months. I recommend using the tray method. Drosera capensis should come back from the roots if freezes and warms up again, or if the media dries out completely. Very hard to permanently kill once established.

Flowers: Drosera capensis generally produces hundreds of seeds on its own. With most varieties, they will readily self-pollinate. Once, when fed often, my 'Typical' and 'Albino' forms have produced huge flower stalks, which created around 1000-2000 seeds per stalk. I have had issues with Drosera capensis 'Red', but I think it is because the stalk gets burnt in my lights. My Drosera capensis (Bainskloof) and "Wide-Leaf" have never flowered for me.

Propagation Techniques

(click here to learn more about propagating sundews)

Seed: extremely easy. no cold stratification required. Can be grown to flowering maturity from seed in a little over a year if fed often.

Leaf-cuttings: very easy. The water-floating method works best. Place directly under lights for the hightest success rate.

Root cuttings: Very easy. Roots are very thick.

Divisions: very easy. Drosera capensis tends to form clumps over time, when the seeds scatter everywhere. Drosera capensis has no trouble dealing with repotting and root disturbance, so divisions can be taken easily.

Drosera capensis (Bainskloof)

Drosera capensis "Wide-Leaf"

Drosera capensis "Giant" (a young plant)

Additional Questions or Suggestions?

Contact me at: sundewman(at)yahoo.com