carnivorous
DecorativeCape Sundew
Drosera capensis
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA (not specifically listed; treated pet-safe)).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Likes consistently moist soil; don’t let it dry out.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
The cape sundew is a carnivorous plant whose leaves are covered in glistening sticky tentacles that trap insects. It is generally pet-safe and one of the more forgiving carnivorous plants for beginners.
About Cape Sundew
The cape sundew (Drosera capensis) is a carnivorous plant from South Africa, forming a small rosette of strap leaves tipped with glistening, sticky red tentacles that trap insects. The whole plant is only 10 to 15 centimetres across and grows in a 1-litre pot, so it fits a bright windowsill easily. It's one of the more forgiving carnivorous plants, which makes it a reasonable first try.
As with other carnivores, water purity is critical: use only rain, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water, since tap-water minerals will kill it. Stand the pot in a tray of pure water to keep the peat mix constantly damp. Give it very bright light, including some direct sun, to keep the dew and red colour strong. The species isn't specifically listed by the ASPCA and is treated as pet-safe.
What it’s like to grow
For a carnivorous plant the cape sundew is fairly forgiving, but it has two hard limits. Loss of the sticky dew and a general decline mean mineral-rich tap water has crept in, so the fix is switching to rain or distilled. Green, dewless, floppy leaves point to too little light. Good for a beginner curious about carnivorous plants who can keep its tray topped with pure water and park it in strong light. Not specifically listed by the ASPCA and treated as pet-safe.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Cape Sundew →
Tips
- Use only rain, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water; tap-water minerals will kill it.
- Stand the pot in a tray of pure water to keep the peat mix constantly damp.
- Give it very bright light, including some direct sun, to keep the dew and red colour strong.
Common problems
- Loss of dew and decline from mineral-rich tap water.
- Green, dewless, floppy leaves in too little light.
Common questions
Is Cape Sundew toxic to cats and dogs?
Cape Sundew is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA (not specifically listed; treated pet-safe).
How much light does Cape Sundew need?
Cape Sundew wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Cape Sundew?
Keep Cape Sundew's soil consistently moist. It likes regular water and dislikes drying out, so check it often in warm or dry rooms.
What temperature does Cape Sundew need?
Cape Sundew is happiest around 18–27 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 5 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Cape Sundew need high humidity?
Cape Sundew prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
Can I grow Cape Sundew without a sunny window?
Yes. Cape Sundew does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Cape Sundew get?
A small rosette of strap leaves tipped with dewy red tentacles, about 10–15 cm across.
How do I propagate Cape Sundew?
Sprinkle seed on damp peat-sand mix; it also self-sows and grows readily from leaf cuttings.
What pests affect Cape Sundew?
Watch for aphids, fungus gnats and mealybugs. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Cape Sundew easy to grow?
Cape Sundew is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Cape Sundew
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: NoahElhardt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.