Carnivorous Sundew Drosera Capensis Alba
Carnivorous plants definitely fall into the category of weird, wonderful and downright fascinating. Mesmerising houseplant owners of all ages with their striking appearances and fascinating adaptations to capture and feed on insects and small creatures. It is no wonder they have held their popularity for decades.
Drosera Capensis Alba, commonly known as a Sundew is a natural fungus gnat killer! If you have an issue with this pest this plant is for you.
The best place to start with carnivorous plants is by understanding their natural habitat and how their environment has led them to form such unique adaptations. Carnivorous plants have been on the planet for a long time, around forty million years and have been found on almost every continent and tropical island with Antarctica being the only exception.
Carnivorous plants are typically found in areas that are high in natural light and moisture, as well as water-logged areas like swamps where the nutrients in the soil are virtually non-existent. Many of their strange adaptations have been formed from this lack of nutrients.
All plants need basic nutrients to survive and without them, they don’t stand much of a chance.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the most important nutrients plants need, nitrogen is the main component in chlorophyll which plants use for photosynthesis. The other is phosphorus, which is needed to make this process possible. Plants use phosphorus to take in, store and convert the sun’s rays. Without it, they would be unable to use the sun’s energy to create the biomolecules (proteins, amino acids, DNA) they need to grow and reproduce.
Carnivorous plants have adapted over millions of years to get these essential nutrients from their environment. Unable to get these nutrients from the soil they have formed traps to capture insects and small creatures that are rich in the nutrients they lack.
There are approximately 600 different species that fall into the Carnivorous plant category. These different species have found ways of attracting, trapping, killing, and absorbing their prey purely to extract the nutrients they need for survival.
Most carnivorous plants will use bright colours, distinctive smells, and sticky surfaces to attract insects but there are some key mechanisms that make up the variations of carnivorous plants and most species can be spread across these different hunting strategies
- Snap traps use rapid leaf movement to snap shut and capture their prey.
- Bladder traps suck in their prey with a small internal vacuum.
- Pitfall traps entice prey into a small rolled-up leaf with digestive enzymes.
- Flypaper traps utilize sticky mucus to trap their prey.
- Eel traps use inward-facing hairs to force their prey towards the digestive organ.
Click here to check our care instructions to find out how to look after your carnivorous plant.
Would you like to learn about carnivorous plants? Check our article here.
Pet Friendly
- How often should I water my Carnivorous Sundew Drosera Capensis Alba?
- Keep the soil consistently moist by watering gently when the surface begins to feel dry. It’s crucial not to let the soil dry out completely, as these plants thrive in a humid environment similar to their native swamp habitats.
- Is the Sundew suitable for beginners looking to start with carnivorous plants?
- Yes, Drosera Capensis Alba is an excellent choice for beginners due to its hardy nature and minimal care requirements beyond providing plenty of light and maintaining moist soil. It’s a great way to learn about the fascinating world of carnivorous plants.
- Can I place my Sundew in a terrarium?
- Yes, Sundews can thrive in terrarium settings as these can mimic their natural humid and bright environments. Ensure the terrarium is well-lit and avoid overcrowding to allow your Sundew enough space to attract and trap insects.
☀️ Light
☀️☀️☀️ (High)
The Carnivorous Sundew Drosera Capensis Alba thrives in high light conditions. Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight by placing it near a window where the light is abundant but not directly harsh, as direct sunlight can sometimes be too intense.
💧 Water
💧💧💧 (High)
This plant loves moisture! Keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Use rainwater or distilled water for best results, as tap water can contain minerals that might harm the plant over time.
🌡️ Temperature
🌡️🌡️▫️ (Average)
Keep your Sundew in average room temperatures, between 15°C and 25°C. It can tolerate slight fluctuations but avoid exposure to extreme cold or hot drafts.
💦 Humidity
💦💦💦 (High)
A high humidity level mimics the Sundew’s natural swampy habitat. Aim for humidity levels of 60% or higher. If your home is dry, consider using a humidity tray or a small humidifier.
🪴 Repotting
Repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Use a soil mix suitable for carnivorous plants, typically a blend of sphagnum moss and perlite. Ensure the new pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
🐾 Pet Friendliness
This plant is pet-friendly! It’s safe for cats and dogs, so you don’t have to worry about it being a hazard to your furry friends.
✅🪴 Recommended Locations at Home
Place your Sundew in well-lit parts of your home such as near east or south-facing windows. They can also make fascinating additions to sunrooms where humidity and light are in abundance.
🌬️🪴 Air Purifying
While not primarily known for air-purifying abilities, the Sundew helps reduce the number of flying insects, which can contribute to a healthier home environment.
✨ Other Plant Features
The Sundew is not only a natural pest deterrent but also a captivating conversation starter. Its sticky, glistening tentacles that trap insects are both functional and fascinating to watch.
If you have more questions or need assistance with your Carnivorous Sundew Drosera Capensis Alba, remember you can always ask Mossbot for help or contact us via our website. Additionally, we offer a free plant hospital service if your plant needs extra care.
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