Contents
Description
Drosera Capillaris, also known as the Pink Sundew, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Droseraceae family. It is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 2-3 inches in height. The plant has pink flowers that bloom from June to September.The Drosera Capillaris is a carnivorous plant that catches insects with its sticky, glandular leaves. The leaves are covered with numerous hair-like structures that secrete a sticky substance, which traps insects. Once an insect is trapped, the plant secretes digestive enzymes that break down the insect’s body and absorb the nutrients.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The Drosera Capillaris plant has small, green leaves that are covered in sticky, hair-like structures. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette, and the plant produces long, thin stems that bear pink flowers. The flowers have five petals and bloom from June to September.
Care Guide
The Drosera Capillaris plant requires specific care to thrive. Here are some care tips to help you grow this carnivorous plant:
Water
The Drosera Capillaris plant prefers to be kept moist at all times. Water the plant with distilled or rainwater, as tap water can contain minerals that can harm the plant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Drosera Capillaris plant does not require fertilizer, as it is a carnivorous plant that gets its nutrients from insects.
Soil
The Drosera Capillaris plant should be planted in a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite or sand. This mixture will provide the plant with the acidic, nutrient-poor soil it prefers.
Sunlight
The Drosera Capillaris plant requires full sunlight to thrive. Place the plant in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The Drosera Capillaris plant is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Drosera Capillaris plant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Aphids
Aphids can infest the plant and suck the sap from its leaves. Remove aphids by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats can lay their eggs in the soil of the Drosera Capillaris plant. The eggs hatch into larvae, which can damage the plant’s roots. Use a solution of water and dish soap to kill the larvae.
Root Rot
Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Drosera Capillaris plant is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in wet, acidic soils. The plant can be found in bogs, wet pine savannas, and wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Drosera Capillaris plant?
A: The Drosera Capillaris plant prefers to be kept moist at all times. Water the plant with distilled or rainwater, and avoid overwatering.
Q: Can I feed my Drosera Capillaris plant anything other than insects?
A: No, the Drosera Capillaris plant is a carnivorous plant that gets its nutrients from insects.
Q: How much sunlight does my Drosera Capillaris plant need?
A: The Drosera Capillaris plant requires full sunlight to thrive. Place the plant in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Q: What should I do if my Drosera Capillaris plant gets root rot?
A: To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant does get root rot, remove any affected roots and replant the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Drosera Capillaris:
- Drosera Aliciae
- Drosera Binata
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Filiformis
References
- “Drosera Capillaris.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278408&isprofile=0&basic=Drosera%20capillaris.
- “Pink Sundew.” North Carolina State University. Retrieved from https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/pink-sundew.
- “Drosera Capillaris.” Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_capillaris.
