Drosera capillaris

Pink sundew is a native annual or short-lived herbaceous perennial found in wet, peaty, pine savannas. It is native to a wide area from the Southeast (including North Carolina) through Mexico and the Antilles to Central and South America. It is a member of the sundew family (Droseraceae). The species epithet is Latin for “having hairs” and refers to the glandular hairs on the leaves. 

Although considered an annual, it can continue to grow through the winter if kept in a warm and bright location such as a greenhouse or indoors. They are not frost-tender, but cannot handle a hard, prolonged freeze. If placed in full sun, the entire plant will appear red in color. In an area with less sunlight, the leaves will be a greenish color with red tenacles (the gland-tipped trapping hairs). Like all carnivorous plants, it grows best in a nutrient-free medium that is kept moist with distilled water or rainwater. Do not fertilize the plant; it will get all the nutrients it needs from the insects it traps.

It is a small, low-lying plant with rounded traps and sticky tentacles.  Although the plants are small in size, they can form large and robust rosettes. After flowering, the plant can decline. When this happens, it is a good idea to save seeds and start new plants.

It makes an ideal plant for a pot, either inside or outside. Place the plant in a small pot and set the pot in a tray of distilled water. It makes an ideal plant for a terrarium. Outside, grow it in a native garden, rain garden or children’s garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

More information on Drosera.