Reviving Drosera Capensis: Proper Watering and Lighting for Cape Sundews

Water: The Critical Factor

Drosera capensis is a bog plant—its soil must stay constantly wet. Use the tray method: keep the pot in ¼ inch of distilled water. Never let the medium dry out. The thick roots of D. capensis allow it to survive brief dry spells, but sustained dryness causes leaf browning and loss of dew.

Light Requirements

A 20W CFL at 12 inches may be insufficient. Move the light to 8 inches and observe for a week. Healthy D. capensis produces abundant dew and red tentacles (unless it’s the ‘alba’ form). Pale green, dewless leaves indicate more light is needed.