Expert: Christopher Littrell - 12/1/2007

Question
Hello. I have a small (below 30 cm) Drosera Capensis Sundew, that has recently been subject to a lot of sunlight (practically a weeks worth) and had very little water. As a result the soil has completely dried out, and many leaves on the plant have wilted at the ends. However it still has three or four good leaves left at the top of the stem, and it is growing some new shoots right now which are not wilting. The plant has been subject to a period of ill health before, about three months ago, and has since recovered nicely, when in fact I thought it was a goner! The last time it nearly died was from over watering and lack of sunshine. It was also growing a flower then, which I had to remove to save the plant, as the plant was dying, as was the flower.
The plant is flowering again now as well. I have chopped the dead leaves away, and watered it with its usual amount of room tempreture water, and the flower is not wilting, but I was wondering if there is anything else I could do to help it recover, and if I need to chop off the flower this time round. I really want to keep the flower, but I would rather have a live plant. Can you help?

Answer
Hello Katherine,

Aside from keeping the plant watered and in good light there really is not anything more than what one could do for any other plant in its condition. It would be prudent to clip the flower stalk again to help the plant conserve energy.

If you do not have a large water tray under the pot you might want to invest in one. The tray should be large enough to hold about 1/4 the pot depth in water and should be about 1-2 inches bigger around than the pot. Such tray watering still needs constant checking to ensure the plant has water, but you can go for several days between watering.

In any case, Drosera capensis act much like a weed in that they can regenerate from incredible damage and just make more of themselves consistently in the process. In good conditions they will flower every few months.

What you can do is place the plant where you will see it daily in a window or patio spot you will always pass by several times a day. That way you will see the plant and remember to check its condition and water it as needed. Even with a tray it might need topping up every 3-4 days or sooner in hot weather.

I hope you can nurse your Drosera capensis back to health.

Christopher