{"product_id":"kap-sonnentau-drosera-capensis-samen","title":"Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis) - Seeds","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThe Cape Sundew belongs to the sundew family (Droseraceae) and is a true classic among carnivores (carnivorous plants). It is particularly popular with beginners because it is robust and grows quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eOrigin and natural habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eAs the name suggests, the Cape Sundew originates from the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"75\"\u003eCape region in South Africa\u003c\/b\u003e. There, it grows in damp, marshy, and nutrient-poor areas, often on riverbanks or in bogs. The climate there is subtropical, meaning the plant is accustomed to a lot of sun and mild temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eAppearance and growth habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLeaves:\u003c\/b\u003e The plant forms a basal rosette of strap-shaped leaves up to 15 cm long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTentacles \u0026amp; Sticky traps:\u003c\/b\u003e The upper surfaces of the leaves are densely covered with reddish glandular hairs (tentacles). At their tips are tiny, glittering droplets of a sticky secretion. This \"morning dew\" (hence the name) emits a sweet scent that attracts insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/b\u003e In summer, the plant produces a leafless flower stalk up to 30 cm long (so that pollinators do not accidentally end up in the traps). On it grow several small, usually brightly pink or purple flowers, which often only open for a single day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/b\u003e Over time, the Cape Sundew can form a small stem as the lower leaves die off and the plant continues to grow upwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eLocation and care (cultivation)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLight:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"7\"\u003eDrosera capensis\u003c\/i\u003e is extremely light-hungry. A south-facing window with \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"68\"\u003efull sun\u003c\/b\u003e is ideal. The more sun the plant gets, the more intensely its sticky tentacles turn red. In summer, it likes to be outdoors in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater:\u003c\/b\u003e Tap water is pure poison! The plant may \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"56\"\u003eonly be watered with rainwater, distilled water, or osmosis water\u003c\/b\u003e. It is best to keep it in the so-called \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"182\"\u003etray method\u003c\/b\u003e: The pot stands permanently in a saucer filled with approx. 1-2 cm of water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/b\u003e Normal potting soil is deadly. Special, nutrient-poor carnivorous plant substrate is required (usually a mixture of unfertilized white peat and quartz sand). \u003cstrong\u003eSpecial substrate \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pflanzenwelten-heinek.de\/products\/karnivorensubstrat-fleischfressende-pflanzen?variant=55397404803457\" title=\"special substrate for carnivorous plants\"\u003eavailable here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWintering:\u003c\/b\u003e The plant can be cultivated warm on the windowsill all year round. However, it also tolerates cool wintering at 5–10 °C (then water a little less).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e🌱 Sowing instructions and propagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003ePropagating \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"19\"\u003eDrosera capensis\u003c\/i\u003e is incredibly easy – often so easy that it propagates itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/b\u003e The plant is self-pollinating and produces thousands of tiny, dust-like seeds after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLight germinators:\u003c\/b\u003e The seeds must \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003enot be covered with soil\u003c\/b\u003e! Simply sprinkle them on well-moistened carnivorous plant substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eConditions:\u003c\/b\u003e Keep the substrate very wet and ensure high humidity (e.g., stretch cling film with small holes over the pot or place it in a mini greenhouse).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGermination period:\u003c\/b\u003e In a bright and warm place, the seeds often germinate after just 2 to 4 weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAlternatives:\u003c\/b\u003e Besides sowing, the plant can also be easily propagated via leaf cuttings or root cuttings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e💡 Interesting facts and curiosities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"Embrace of Death\" (Thigmotropism):\u003c\/b\u003e If an insect gets stuck to the sticky droplets and struggles, the plant registers the mechanical stimulus. Within minutes to hours, the entire leaf actively curls around the prey to bring as many digestive glands as possible into contact with the insect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDigestion:\u003c\/b\u003e The plant excretes enzymes that decompose the insect. The dissolved nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which are lacking in the soil) are absorbed through the leaf. After that, the leaf unrolls again, and the empty chitin shell of the insect blows away in the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"weed\" of the carnivorous plant scene:\u003c\/b\u003e Because the Cape Sundew is so robust and self-sows almost explosively through its countless seeds, it often spontaneously appears in other pots. Among collectors, it is therefore affectionately-jokingly referred to as \"carnivorous weed.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding unnecessary:\u003c\/b\u003e You don't need to feed the plant indoors. The few fungus gnats or fruit flies it catches itself are completely sufficient as fertilizer. Meat or cheese would only cause the leaves to mold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek","offers":[{"title":"30+ seeds","offer_id":55455965839745,"sku":null,"price":2.3,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"100+ Seeds","offer_id":55455965872513,"sku":null,"price":5.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/6332\/3777\/files\/mage_vgejm6vgejm6vgej.png?v=1774118514","url":"https:\/\/pflanzenwelten-heinek.de\/en\/products\/kap-sonnentau-drosera-capensis-samen","provider":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}