Drosera capillaris
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Drosera capillaris

Pink sundew · Spathulate-leaved sundew

Tier 1 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: full_sun
Water every
3 days
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
4–5
Hardiness
Zone 8–9
Click count
50
Observations
120

Description

Source: leafsnap

Drosera capillaris, commonly known as the Pink Sundew, is a carnivorous plant belonging to the Droseraceae family. Native to North America, it thrives in wetlands, bogs, and other moist habitats. The plant features a rosette of leaves covered in sticky hairs that trap insects. These long, narrow leaves exhibit a pinkish-red coloration at the tips, which helps attract prey. During the summer months, the Pink Sundew produces small white flowers on long stalks. Each flower has five petals and is pollinated by insects such as bees and butterflies. To thrive, the Pink Sundew requires moist soil with high levels of acidity. It can be cultivated in pots or directly planted in bog gardens or other wetland areas. Drosera capillaris plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by helping to control insect populations through trapping and consumption. Additionally, it provides habitat for small animals such as frogs, salamanders, and various insects. Overall, Drosera capillaris is an intriguing carnivorous plant that adds unique beauty to any garden while contributing to the ecological balance of its environment.

🎭 Mountain of pure affection: you are aspiring,

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 3 days

The Pink Sundew flourishes in humid environments and requires consistent moisture, needing to be watered twice a week. As an insect-eating plant, it captures prey with its sticky leaves. It effectively manages water loss by relying on its reserves for optimal growth.

Suggested frequency: Every 3 days
FAQ
What is the best way to water your Pink Sundew plant?

To keep your Pink Sundew properly hydrated, you can follow these steps. First, choose a pot with good drainage holes and place it in a plastic dish or tray. Fill the dish with about a third to half an inch of water, which will be absorbed by the roots as the soil dries. Be sure not to let the dish completely dry out, and adjust the amount of water based on how quickly the plant absorbs it. Avoid using terra cotta pots, as they allow water to seep through and remove dissolved solids. If you do use a terra cotta pot, place it inside a larger pot and only add water to the outer pot. The mineral content of the water is crucial for watering your Pink Sundew effectively. Ideally, collect rainwater for your plant as it is the safest option. If that's not possible, distilled water or water from a reverse osmosis system are suitable alternatives. Purified water can also be used, although it contains some minerals that the Pink Sundew can tolerate. If using tap water, make sure it has less than 50 parts per million of total dissolved solids. You can easily measure this using a meter. Lastly, fill your watering device 24 hours in advance to allow the chlorine to dissipate from the water.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to Pink Sundew?

When Pink Sundews are overwatered, they display symptoms such as brown spots on the undersides of leaves, the development of white mold in the soil, and an overall wilted appearance. The wilting is caused by the plant's inability to draw water into its stem. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be identified by a bad smell. If root rot is present, it is necessary to remove the plant from the soil, rinse it with distilled water, remove any rotted roots and affected leaves, rinse it again, and then replant it in fresh soil. On the other hand, if a Pink Sundew is underwatered, its leaves will become brittle. In this case, it is important to cut away any affected leaves, ensure that the soil is damp, and mist the leaves. Although the plant will gradually recover by resuming watering as soon as possible, the yellow leaves resulting from root damage will dry out in the short term.

How often do I need to water my Pink Sundew?

The tray method is the most common way to water insectivorous plants like the Pink Sundew. To do this, pot the Pink Sundew in a container with several drainage holes, and place it in a tray or dish that is filled about one-third with water. This allows the plant to draw up water naturally as the soil dries. It's important to add water promptly when the water level drops, and not let the dish completely dry out. By following this method, you will get a better understanding of how often the plants need to be watered. Since the Pink Sundew is native to humid environments, it's important to find the right balance between watering and allowing the soil to dry out to avoid root rot. During the active seasons of spring to autumn, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist by watering the Pink Sundew 2-3 times per week. In summer, more frequent watering will be necessary to keep the soil humid. However, during the winter and early spring when the Pink Sundew goes dormant, you need to adjust your watering routine. If you continue to water the plant as frequently as during the active season, it is likely to die. Instead, let the soil dry out and allow the water level in the tray to dry out for a few days before adding more water. If you live in an area with naturally dry air, you may find it necessary to mist the Pink Sundew in addition to regular watering to mimic its natural humid growing conditions. It is recommended to do the misting in the morning. This is especially important in areas with dry environments, as proper water spraying helps to maintain the necessary humidity for the plant.

How much water does my Pink Sundew plant need?

The Pink Sundew is a carnivorous houseplant that thrives in humid environments. To keep it alive, you'll need to recreate its native conditions by maintaining high humidity levels. If you live in a place with naturally high humidity, you can grow it outdoors in a bog garden. Most people prefer to grow the Pink Sundew as a houseplant. To reduce the frequency of watering, use a pot that retains moisture, such as plastic or a self-watering pot. The tray method is the best way to provide water for this insectivorous plant. Make sure the water level in the tray pots covers the small hole at the bottom. Add water before it dries out to meet the plant's moisture needs and ensure healthy growth.

Do I need to water Pink Sundew differently when I plant it inside compared to outside?

When growing Pink Sundew indoors, they require less water due to less sunlight. If they receive more light, they will need more water for growth. To keep them healthy, it is crucial to provide sufficient light and water. Additionally, maintaining a humid environment is necessary for indoor plants. One effective method is growing them in a terrarium or as part of a plant display in an aquarium. The enclosed sides will retain the essential humid air, but it is important to ensure proper circulation.

☀️ Light Full sun

Pink Sundew grows best under intense, continuous light throughout the day. Excessive exposure can burn the leaves, while too little light may cause slow growth and a weak stem. It is adapted to the bright conditions of its ancestral habitat.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Pink Sundew?

Pink Sundew (Drosera capillaris) thrives best under full sun, requiring more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. It's crucial to monitor how sunlight moves throughout your garden, ensuring your plants receive a balanced mix of light and shade. This balance promotes the plant's health and happiness. In regions with less natural light, or during less sunny seasons, using artificial lighting can be beneficial. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to be customized to specific wavelengths needed by plants, with 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. Light sources should be placed 12-36 inches above the plants for 8-12 hours per day to mimic natural sunlight conditions.

What symptoms indicate insufficient light for Pink Sundew?

When Pink Sundew doesn't receive enough light, it may show symptoms such as small and pale new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, and a halt in new growth, indicating it's in survival mode due to light deficiency. Excessive exposure to sunlight, on the other hand, can lead to chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, where leaves may curl, twist, or display brown, dry, and crispy edges. These symptoms reflect the plant's struggle with imbalanced light conditions.

How can I address light-related issues for Pink Sundew, both indoors and outdoors?

To address light issues for Pink Sundew indoors, gradually move your plant to a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily or use artificial lighting for at least 8 hours daily. For outdoor plants, progressively relocate them to sunnier spots each week to prevent sunburn. If natural light obstructions are present, consider pruning to allow more sunlight through. For plants in the ground, transplantation during the plant's dormant phase to a location with better sunlight and drainage is advised. It's important to note that while parts of the plant affected by poor light might not recover, new growth can flourish under improved conditions.

🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Pink Sundew is native to temperate areas and prefers temperatures of 68 to 95°F (20 to 35℃). To maintain its health, reproduce these conditions year-round, making seasonal adjustments as necessary.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
FAQ
What are the ideal growing conditions for Pink Sundew?

Pink Sundew, botanically known as Drosera capillaris, thrives in temperate areas with temperatures ranging from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). For optimal growth, it is crucial to mimic these conditions throughout the year, making adjustments as necessary for the changing seasons. In winter, maintaining temperatures above 20°C is beneficial, ensuring the minimum temperature stays above the freezing point to avoid damage. In case of temperatures approaching -5°C (25°F) during winter, it's advisable to bring the plant indoors or provide protection with a temporary greenhouse or wrapping materials such as plastic film or fabric.

What should I do if my Pink Sundew is exposed to low temperatures?

Pink Sundew has a moderate tolerance to low temperatures, thriving between 20°C and 35°C. In winter, it's essential to keep temperatures above 0°C. Exposure to temperatures below -10°C can lead to leaves darkening, potential water-soaked necrosis, wilting, drooping, and leaves gradually turning brown in severe cases. To help the plant recover, trim away frost-damaged parts and move it indoors to a warm environment or set up a makeshift greenhouse for protection. Ensure the plant is placed near a south-facing window to receive ample sunlight, or use supplemental lighting if natural light is insufficient.

What measures should be taken if my Pink Sundew faces high temperatures?

During the summer, it's crucial to ensure that the Pink Sundew's surrounding temperature stays below 35°C. If temperatures soar above 38°C, the plant's growth may slow, leaves might lighten in color, and the risk of sunburn increases. To mitigate high temperature stress, trim away sunburned and dried parts of the plant. Relocate the plant to a shaded area, especially to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps maintain soil moisture, further aiding in cooling and ensuring the plant's health.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 4-5
Soil pH: 4-5
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When repotting Pink Sundew, pick a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

To help your Pink Sundew thrive, it's important to carefully prune its insect-trapping leaves. In early to late spring, remove any dead leaves to encourage the plant's health and growth. Be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the plant. Additionally, make sure your tools are clean to maintain the plant's vigor and prevent the spread of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Drosera is not toxic, and it's considered safe to human and pets, in fact some people use Drosera as homeopathic medicine

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial, Annual
Genus
Drosera
Family
Droseraceae
Hardiness Zone
8-9
Mature Height
5 cm to 20 cm
Mature Spread
5 cm to 13 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Red
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Colombia, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Guyana, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica

Tags (4)

Common Names (2)

en Pink sundew
en Spathulate-leaved sundew