Cape Sundew Recovery from Death Cube: Light Distance and Ventilation

Cape Sundew Recovery from Death Cube: Light Distance and Ventilation

Gilbert bought D. capensis from Home Depot 7 weeks ago. No dew, brown tips. Month in window + misting. Then 2×2×1 ft terrarium with 250W MH + 100W HPS, fan on fixtures. Week in terrarium: old leaves die, new growth browns before dew forms. Added 1" distilled water tray.

Fixes

• Lights too close: Keep 12–15" from MH until heat assessed. D. capensis likes bright but cool.
• Trim dead leaves; keep crown.
• Partially open terrarium: 100% humidity → mold.
• Wait 2 weeks: Fast growers—red dew leaves should appear if happy.

Volume #2 DVD for tropical sundews.

Key Takeaway

Death cube D. capensis recovery: lower light intensity, vent terrarium, trim dead growth, keep wet. New dew leaves in days if conditions right.