- What should be considered when watering the Cape sundew?
- When and how to repot a Cape Sundew?
- Should the Cape Sundew Be Pruned?
- Are there any fungi or pests that can pose a threat to Cape Sundew?
- How to protect the Cape sundew from diseases?
- Which fertilizer is suitable for the Cape sundew?
- Under what conditions does the Cape sundew survive the winter unscathed?
The Cape sundew is one of the carnivorous plants and is considered to be particularly robust and easy to care for among the various sundew species. It is therefore quite suitable as a herbal "flycatcher" for indoor use.
The Cape sundew likes to be bright
What should be considered when watering the Cape sundew?
Like other sundew species (and in contrast to many other plants), the Cape sundew likes it constantly moist, so you should never let the substrate in the pot dry out completely. It is important to note, however, that the sundew does not tolerate calcareous water. You should therefore water it as lime-free as possible with rainwater or distilled water. Depending on the location and pot size, watering should be done at least every three days during the light-rich growth phase from March to October. During the hibernation, the watering interval and quantity can be reduced somewhat.
When and how to repot a Cape Sundew?
In order for the Cape sundew roots that may have been injured during repotting to be able to recover well, you should ideally only repot this plant in February and thus shortly before new growth. Use a lime-free substrate with peat content.
Should the Cape Sundew Be Pruned?
Due to its already compact growth, the Cape sundew does not need to be pruned. If the above-ground parts of the plant wither due to care errors, you should cut them off near the ground as soon as possible. In the case of the Cape sundew, there is a not inconsiderable chance (and if any location problems are rectified) that the plant will be able to sprout again from the subterranean part. In this case, however, check the following location factors:
- incidence of light
- temperature
- water quantity and quality
- substrate used
Are there any fungi or pests that can pose a threat to Cape Sundew?
Apart from the aphids, which can be controlled with the usual means, no pests are known that could be particularly dangerous for the Cape sundew. On the contrary: the few insects in the room, such as flies, usually get stuck on the sticky leaves of the plant anyway and serve as a source of nutrients.
How to protect the Cape sundew from diseases?
Most of the time it is not diseases, but rather care errors that lead to problems with Cape sundew. Good ventilation can also prevent mold that is dangerous for the plants from forming on the moist plant substrate.
Which fertilizer is suitable for the Cape sundew?
Especially when using specially mixed carnivore soil, the Cape Sundew does not require any additional fertilization. Fertilizers can even be quite damaging to most carnivorous plants, since their special way of life means they are specially adapted to nutrient-poor soils.
Under what conditions does the Cape sundew survive the winter unscathed?
The optimal winter quarters for the Cape sundew is as bright a room as possible with an even temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius. During the hibernation, the Cape Sundew should still get enough light. If necessary, you can help with a daylight lamp or plant light lamp from a specialist shop.
tips
The flowers of the Cape sundew should be cut off at the latest after the seeds have formed, together with the stems, so that no further flowers can form in the same year. In this way, the plant saves growth energy, which can then be put into the further development of the leaves, which can be up to about 20 cm long in this sundew species.