HOW TO GROW A FOREST OF CAPE SUNDEWSCape Sundews (Drosera capensis) are native to South Africa, and it is one of
most common carnivorous plants grown in cultivation. It is very easy to grow, and an adult plant will get up to 6 inches tall.
As with all sundews, Cape Sundews produce a thick sticky substance, technically called ‘goo’ here at our nursery. We also call it ‘stuff’ or ‘glue’ or ‘thick sticky substance.’ I’m also sure botanists have their own term, but it is usually something I can’t pronounce, like hydromethylcellulose.
Whatever it is, it is
goo that makes Cape Sundews sparkle in sunlight. When you grow a bunch of them together, you will have a dazzling display that will mesmerize any insect.
These sundews are very easy to propagate. One very quick method is to grow them from seeds. Cape Sundew seeds germinate very quickly, usually within 3 weeks.
Once germinated, each seedling will reach adulthood within 2 years, at which time they will flower. Each flower stalk is capable of producing thousands of seeds. So from one adult plant, you can have enough seeds to produce a forest of sundews!
Another method for multiplying your sundews is to take leaf cuttings. This could be done with either young or mature plants because all you need are a few leaves.
Cut off a leaf near
stalk or growing point. Lay
leaf flat onto a pot of moistened soil of 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite. Gently press
leaf into
soil so that
leaf is making good contact with
soil.