Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Cape Sundew Plant Care
Drosera capensis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
One of the most striking visual features of this carnivorous plant is its long, slender green leaves covered in red tentacles. Originating from the Western Cape of South Africa, Drosera capensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its ability to attract and trap insects with its sticky droplets, making it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cape Sundew?
Water Cape Sundew every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Cape Sundew Native To?
What Is the Cape Sundew?
Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis) belongs to the Droseraceae family within the Drosera genus. Cape Sundew is native to the Cape region of South Africa. Cape Sundew is also known as Sundew.
Cape Sundew displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Cape Sundew produces small, delicate white or pink flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cape Sundew?
Drosera capensis requires watering every 2–4 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cape Sundew Need?
Cape Sundew thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cape Sundew Prefer?
Drosera capensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Cape Sundew prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cape Sundew?
Nutrient-poor, acidic soil with high organic matter content like sphagnum moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Cape Sundew to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cape Sundew?
Feed Cape Sundew every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cape Sundew?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cape Sundew?
Cape Sundew can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to round-leaved sundew plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cape Sundew Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cape Sundew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cape Sundew?
Cape Sundew is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cape Sundew Need?
Cape Sundew grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cape Sundew is native to the Cape region of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape Sundew as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Cape Sundew is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Drosera genus — compare its care with other Drosera species on PlantoScan.
Drosera is part of the Droseraceae plant family — browse all Droseraceae genera and species.
Cape Sundew thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Drosera Species
Other Drosera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Drosera capensis L., family Droseraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 282 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cape Sundew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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