Drosera Capensis Red Seeds

Drosera Capensis Red Seeds

In the greenhouse, plants bloom in the Fall with scapes that have numerous, 6 to 20, small pinkish flowers up to 1 cm long.
Grouped product items
Product Name Qty
10 Drosera Capensis Red Seeds
US$3.60
100 Drosera Capensis Red Seeds
US$24.00
Availability: In stock
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Drosera Capensis Red
Drosera capensis red, or Cape Sundew, is a very easy sundew to grow. It is native to the Cape region of South Africa. The red form Cape Sundew is a distinct form with dark red leaves and red tentacles. It will tend to be redder under brighter light. Very attractive, lovely in the sun. They are perennial, with a stem of 8-14 inches high and linear leaves tapered toward the base. The leaves are densely covered with hairs that secrete a sticky sap that attracts insects. The hairs cover the top surface of the leaves and provide a moist appearance that is irresistable to insects. Once an insect is trapped on a leaf, the leaf curls around the insect. Drosera secretes digestive enzymes into this mix when it detects an insect and this continues until the insect is liquified and its soluble contents digested. It is one of the easiest of the Drosera to grow. The active tentacle traps of 4 cm length and 8 mm wide are quite beautiful. In the greenhouse, plants bloom in the Fall with scapes that have numerous, 6 to 20, small pinkish flowers up to 1 cm long. The flowers are self-pollinating, and when seedpods dry they produce hundreds of viable seeds. Hardiness zones 8-10, (1øC/35øF, -10øC/15øF) in Winter. They should be grown in bright light, but with protection from full midday sun. In cloudy coastal areas, artificial light is preferable. Pale stringy growth indicates more light is needed and a healthy plant will have red tentacles. Temperatures should be kept between (20øC/25øC, 68øF/76øF). They grow well in a standard peat moss/sand which can be anything from 50% to 70% peat moss. There's no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for food. The humidity should be between 60-80%. Water must be distilled or rain water because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about an inch of water in it, under the pot. This one prefers slightly drier conditions than most, so it's advisable to let the water tray dry out before refilling. Elevate the pot by placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it will ensure that the plant has a constant source of moisture. During the Winter months, water should be alternated between wet and dry periods.
More Information
Common name Cape Sundew
Species Drosera capensis
Cultivar Red
Germination The seeds require 6 weeks hot stratification. Sow directly on the surface of your moist but not soaked soil mix. Do not cover them with any medium, the seeds are really tiny. After hot stratification, somewhat uncover the top of the pot, so that moisture and heat drop a little. Place the pot in an area with real nice strong light and keep the temperature around 20øC/68øF.

When you see some tiny plants starting to sprout, slowly open the top of the pot, a little each day, so that the new seedlings don't go into shock from the humidity being lowered too quickly. After hot stratification, germination usually occurs in 1-3 months, but it can be prolonged up to several months, depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't give up. Be very gentle with the new seedlings, not to destroy anything, it is very tiny. Make sure that it gets good air circulation.
Scarification / Stratification It creates a hot and moist environment for the seeds. This will break their dormancy. Place the seeds on top of a prepared soil mix. Put the pots with seeds in plastic ziplock bags under but not too close to florescent lights. A temperature around 25øC / 76øF works best. Make sure to check the seeds often. If fungus or mold appears treat it with a fungicide.
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