If you’re new to carnivorous plants, the Drosera Capensis Alba is an excellent beginner
plant. Also known as a white Cape Sundew, the Capensis Alba is the albino version of
Drosera Capensis. Cape Sundews get their distinctive red coloring from anthocyanin, which
the Alba lacks: Both the dew-tipped tentacles and its flowers are white. Your white Cape
Sundew needs the same growing conditions as its red twin, and many plant growers enjoy
positioning the two next to each other for a fun contrast.
All Drosera Capensis plants can do well in a variety of conditions, which is what makes
them so ideal for beginners to carnivorous houseplants. Both the red and white varieties
can thrive in full sun to part shade. Cape Sundew plants will also grow well under a plant
light if you don’t happen to have a good windowsill.
Aside from providing adequate lighting conditions, you will want to ensure you use solid
specific to carnivorous plants. Cape Sundews prefer sandy, low-nitrogen soil. You can
purchase a variety from our store or mix 50 percent peat moss and 50 percent horticultural
sand.
Make sure to avoid fertilizing your carnivorous plant: Nitrogen-based fertilizers can burn
their roots and kill the Cape Sundew. Instead, provide a steady diet of small insects, such
as house flies, ants, and spiders.
When your Drosera Capensis Alba comes in contact with small household insects, its
leaves will act like flypaper (in fact, they’re sometimes called “flypaper” plants). The
beautiful hairs that give the sundew its distinctive appearance have sticky droplets at their
ends that entrap prey. An easy way to determine whether or not your plant is receiving
adequate amounts of light is by the dew on its tips. Cape Sundew plants that do not
produce dew for multiple weeks in a row are not receiving enough direct sunlight.
Don’t worry if you don’t live in a location where your sundew plant is likely to come by
enough prey without your help: Feeding your Drosera plant freeze-dried insects will provide
it with a more than adequate supply of nutrients.
Lastly, when watering your Drosera Capensis Alba, make sure to avoid tap water as the
chlorine and minerals often found in tap water can damage the plant. Instead, buy distilled
water, use water from a reverse osmosis system, or – if you’re feeling adventurous – collect
and use rainwater.