Overview:
Drosera capillaris Poir. is a species of the carnivorous plant genus Drosera, which is commonly known as the Cape Sundew. This species belongs to the Droseraceae family and grows in seasonally flooded wetlands, swamps, and bogs in several regions, including much of South America and coastal southeastern Australia.
Appearance:
Drosera capillaris has thread-like or capillary leaves extending from a central rosette. The leaves are usually green with drops of sticky mucilage on the tips, which attract and capture insects. The plant's leaves are capable of intricate movements, curling around trapped prey to aid digestion. The flowers bloom from a slender stem above the foliage, forming small and white or pink blossoms.
Common Names:
The common name of the Drosera capillaris is the Cape Sundew. This plant is also referred to as Thread-Leaved Sundew, and it is similar to the Drosera filiformis.
Uses:
With its insect-catching ability, Drosera capillaris has little horticultural value, but the plants are still highly sought after due to their beauty and uniqueness. It is also sometimes used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities as a digestive aid and wound healing treatment. Additionally, this plant serves as food for some animal species such as birds and insects.
Growth Conditions for Drosera capillaris Poir.
Drosera capillaris Poir. is a small carnivorous plant that requires specific conditions for optimal growth and survival. The following are the typical growth conditions necessary for this plant:
Light
Drosera capillaris Poir. requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It needs at least six hours of sunlight to grow properly. Direct sunlight for an extended period can cause damage to the plant. A shady spot with bright filtered light will also work.
Temperature
Drosera capillaris Poir. requires warm and humid conditions to grow. Temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for the plant. The plant can tolerate cooler temperatures, but it will suffer if the temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing temperatures can kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Drosera capillaris Poir. requires nutrient-poor, acidic soil with a pH level between 4.5 to 5.5. A mixture of half peat moss and half perlite or vermiculite is ideal for planting this species. A layer of sphagnum moss on top of the soil can also help retain moisture. The plant is sensitive to fertilizer and needs a nutrient-poor environment to survive.
Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. The plant can be grown in a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom or in a terrarium with a humid environment. It is best to use distilled or filtered water since chemicals and minerals in tap water can harm the plant.
Overall, Drosera capillaris Poir. is a delicate plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. If provided with the right setup and care, it can grow into a beautiful and unique addition to your plant collection.
Cultivation of Drosera capillaris Poir.
The Drosera capillaris Poir. plant is native to North America and grows in moist, sandy soils. It requires a lot of sunlight and moderate temperatures, so it is best cultivated in outdoor settings or under grow lights. To cultivate Drosera capillaris Poir., follow these steps:
- Choose a location with plenty of sunlight, the plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
- Ensure the soil is sandy and moist. You can add peat moss and sand to a 50/50 mix of potting soil to create an ideal growing medium.
- If you plan to cultivate it indoors, consider using a grow light to ensure the plant gets enough sunlight.
- The plant should be potted in a container that can drain water. You do not want the plant to sit in water for long periods, or it may rot.
- Ensure that the soil is not too dry or too wet, keep it moist but not waterlogged, which can also cause root rot.
Watering Needs of Drosera capillaris Poir.
The Drosera capillaris Poir. plant requires frequent watering, but the amount of water needed is dependent on several factors, including the climate, temperature, and soil type. Here are some watering tips:
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, water frequently in the summer months or hotter climates.
- During winter, reduce watering frequency, and let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.
- Use distilled water or rainwater; mineral-rich tap water can be harmful to the plant.
Fertilization of Drosera capillaris Poir.
Fertilization of Drosera capillaris Poir. is not typically necessary as it can get its nutrients from the insects it traps with its sticky leaves. However, if you choose to fertilize, here are some tips:
- Use a diluted liquid fertilizer that contains phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium during the growing season.
- Apply fertilizer sparingly, as the plant does not need much to grow.
- Do not fertilize during the winter months, when the plant is dormant.
Pruning of Drosera capillaris Poir.
The Drosera capillaris Poir. plant does not require pruning; it can be left alone to grow naturally. However, if there are any dead leaves or traps, you can use a pair of scissors to cut them away.
Propagation of Drosera capillaris Poir.
Drosera capillaris Poir. is a carnivorous plant that grows in nutrient-poor soils. To ensure its survival, it has adapted to capture and digest insects to obtain the necessary nutrients. To propagate this plant, there are several methods available:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common way to propagate Drosera capillaris Poir. The plant produces small seeds that can be collected when the plant dries out. The seeds can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their viability. When it's time to plant, the seeds can be sown in a moist substrate, such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks, and the resulting plants can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle.
Leaf cuttings
Another way to propagate Drosera capillaris Poir. is through leaf cuttings. Take a leaf from a mature plant, and cut it into smaller pieces. Each piece should have a small part of the stem attached. Plant the cuttings in a substrate such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings should start growing in a few weeks.
Root cuttings
Propagation through root cuttings is possible but less common. To do this, take a root from a mature plant and cut it into smaller pieces. Each piece should be around 2-3 cm long. Plant these pieces in a substrate such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings should start growing in a few weeks.
In conclusion, Drosera capillaris Poir. can be propagated through seeds, leaf cuttings, and root cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but with proper care, any of these methods can lead to successful propagation.
Disease Management
The Drosera capillaris Poir. plant is susceptible to various diseases and infections. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
1. Leaf spot disease
Symptoms of this disease include the appearance of small necrotic lesions on the leaves of the plant. The leaves may also shrivel and fall off. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them immediately. Avoid overhead watering and keep the soil surface dry to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Powdery mildew
If the plant is infected with powdery mildew, the leaves will appear to be covered with a white powdery substance. This disease is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage it, improve air circulation around the plant by pruning it regularly. You can also apply fungicides that contain copper or sulfur.
Pest Management
The Drosera capillaris Poir. plant is prone to pest infestations. The following are some common pests that affect the plant and how to manage them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and deformation of the plant. They also excrete a sticky substance that attracts other pests like ants. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil. You can also introduce ladybugs or lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids.
2. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. They also leave behind webbing on the leaves. To manage them, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil. You can also introduce predatory mites or lacewings to control their population.
3. Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails can feed on the leaves and stem of the plant. They also leave behind shiny slime trails. To manage them, you can handpick them or use slug baits that contain iron phosphate. You can also create barriers around the plant using copper tape or diatomaceous earth to prevent them from reaching the plant.
