Care Sheet for Drosera capensis 'Alba' (House Plant and Terrarium)
 
Drosera capensis 'Alba' is a popular and easy-to-care-for sundew, known for its striking all-green coloration, unlike the typical red-tinted species. It is ideal for beginners and thrives both as a house plant and in terrarium setups. One notable feature is that this variety will maintain its green color when grown in indirect light, making it particularly suited for terrariums.
General Information
Common Name: Cape Sundew 'Alba'
Origin: South Africa
Growth Form: Rosette with narrow, long leaves covered in sticky tentacles for catching prey.
Size: Leaves can grow up to 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long.
House Plant Care
1. Light Requirements
Ideal Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate low light conditions, but it will grow best in filtered or indirect light.
Direct Sunlight: If exposed to direct sunlight, the plant can thrive, but it may develop slight reddish hues, which some people find attractive. However, to keep its vibrant green (alba) coloration, avoid direct sun.
Artificial Lighting: Grow lights (full spectrum) are perfect for 12-16 hours per day if natural light is insufficient.
2. Watering
Watering Method: Use the tray method, placing the pot in a tray with distilled or rainwater, keeping the water level around 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Water Quality: Only distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater should be used due to the plant's sensitivity to minerals in tap water.
Moisture Needs: Keep the soil constantly moist, but not soggy. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
3. Humidity
Recommended Humidity: Moderate humidity (50% or above) is sufficient. While Drosera capensis 'Alba' is not particularly fussy about humidity, higher humidity will result in more dew production on the leaves.
4. Temperature
Optimal Temperature Range: 10-35°C). This sundew can tolerate occasional cooler nights, but it’s not frost-hardy.
Avoid: Temperatures below 5°C.
5. Soil
Preferred Soil: A mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or silica sand (1:1 ratio) is ideal. Avoid nutrient-rich soil as it will harm the plant.
Pot Size: Use a plastic or glazed ceramic pot with drainage holes to prevent mineral buildup and maintain moisture levels.
6. Feeding
Insect Diet: As a carnivorous plant, it will catch small insects like gnats or fruit flies. If grown indoors, you may need to feed it manually with live or freeze-dried insects (e.g., bloodworms).
Fertilizer: Avoid using fertilizers. The plant receives nutrients from the insects it traps.
7. Dormancy
Seasonal Growth: Drosera capensis 'Alba' doesn’t have a strict dormancy period but may slow its growth during winter. Reduce watering slightly during this time, but do not let the soil dry out.
 
Terrarium Care
1. Lighting
Light Setup: Due to its ability to maintain a green color in indirect light, Drosera capensis 'Alba' is ideal for terrarium setups. Use artificial lighting like LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs for 12-14 hours daily.
Indirect Light: Position the terrarium in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight. Too much direct light can cause overheating in the terrarium, while indirect light will keep the plant's green coloration intact.
2. Humidity
High Humidity: A terrarium setup naturally provides higher humidity levels, around 60-80%, which promotes healthy growth and encourages dew production on the leaves. But can withstand low humidity as long as the pot stand in rain or RO water constantly.
Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow by using a terrarium with ventilation slots or opening the lid periodically to prevent mold and mildew growth.
3. Temperature
Temperature Control: Keep temperatures within the range of 10-35°C. Ensure the terrarium isn’t placed in direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Stable Environment: Terrariums tend to maintain consistent temperatures, making them ideal for Drosera capensis 'Alba'.
4. Watering in Terrarium
Watering Method: Use a spray bottle to mist the substrate and plant with distilled water, ensuring the soil remains damp but not waterlogged.
Drainage: Add a drainage layer at the bottom of the terrarium (rocks or gravel) to prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water. A mesh screen over the drainage layer will help keep the substrate in place.
5. Substrate
Soil Mix: Use a combination of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or silica sand for good aeration and moisture retention. Avoid nutrient-rich potting soils.
Drainage Layer: Create a drainage layer with small pebbles or activated charcoal to help keep the roots from becoming waterlogged.
6. Feeding in Terrarium
Prey Availability: If your terrarium doesn’t naturally attract insects, you can manually feed your Drosera with small bugs or freeze-dried insects like bloodworms.
Avoid Overfeeding: Feeding once every 2-3 weeks is sufficient. Overfeeding can overwhelm the plant.
7. Maintenance
Cleaning: Regularly remove dead leaves to prevent mold growth in the humid terrarium environment. Make sure to wipe down the glass to maintain proper light levels.
 
Key Tips
Indirect Light for Green Color: If grown in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight, Drosera capensis 'Alba' will retain its beautiful green color, making it an excellent choice for terrariums where direct sunlight is limited.
No Dormancy Required: Unlike some carnivorous plants, Drosera capensis 'Alba' doesn’t require a dormancy period, making it easier to care for year-round.
 
By following these guidelines, Drosera capensis 'Alba' will thrive both as a house plant and in a terrarium, showing off its unique green coloration while maintaining its carnivorous habits.