Transplant Garden — Rare and Curious Plants

Cape Sundew (Drosera Capensis) is a fantastic addition to your collection. It is an exceedingly interesting plant that also happens to look stunning, and it even helps you out around the house!



Sundews are a family of carnivorous plants that catch prey using a sticky “dew” like substance they make themselves.

Notice the globs of sticky dew on the end of the fine hairs found on the pictured sundew. These are the bait and trap that keeps any unlucky insect immobile. Think of this plant as a living fly paper factory. So if you’re dealing with a fruit fly or fungus gnat issue, this is a creative way to take care of your problem. Best of all, it is super easy to care for! Below, find out the simple steps on how to keep your Drosera Capensis alive. In this guide I will focus on plants that are past the seed stage. Look out for a seed to adult guide coming soon!

Alright, so you have your plant. You only need a few things to keep it happy and healthy.

Choosing the right water for your Sundew

Drosera Capensis is only picky in one regard: it doesn’t do well with tap water or any water with additives or contaminants. Fortunately, this is an easy to hurdle to surmount. Find REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) water in your local grocery store. RO water has extremely low amounts of minerals in it which is perfect for your Capensis. I bought a two gallon RO water jug and it lasted for almost six months. Don’t let this step discourage you from growing this plant, it is worth the extra bit of hassle.

Choose a good saucer to set your sundew in

A dish to set your sundew pot in is important as your sundew should have constant access to water. Place your sundew pot in your chosen dish, and then fill up your dish with your RO water. Keep your eye on the water level in your dish. If it starts getting low or dries up, top it off. This should be most of the maintenance you have to do for your plant.

Choose a bright spot for your Sundew

Place your sundew in a sunny window or under some grow lights. There is an easy way to tell if your sundew is happy with the brightness levels: if your sundew is making dew, it is happy. If you can see the hairs but no dew, your sundew needs something. Most likely a bit more light.

Food for your Sundew

Your drosera is a voracious eater! It will want to catch some prey as that’s how it collects nutrients for more growth. If your Drosera runs out of things to catch, you can supplement its diet with fish food. Yes, seriously. Fish food. Beta Fish food works well. Blood worms are a good option as well. If you have to go this route, start with small amounts of food.


Drosera Capensis is an amazingly easy plant to take care of. Hopefully this guide helps you out! Look out for more advanced guides on sowing drosera seeds and making your own soil for your sundews. Catch you next time! Comment any questions or ideas you may have!