Drosera capensis 'Dark Maroon'

A deep maroon variant of the classic Cape Sundew — one of the more striking color forms, retaining rich red-purple coloration across the leaves and tentacles. Acquired from Cook’s Carnivores in Oregon, August 2025.

Currently living in an open terrarium alongside butterworts, mosses, and other terrarium plants.

Care Notes

Grown in a moss and lava rock substrate with distilled water only — carnivorous plants are sensitive to minerals in tap water. Tray method keeps the roots consistently moist without overhead watering that can disturb the dew on the tentacles. Full to bright indirect sun preferred; insufficient light causes the plant to become pale and reduces trap effectiveness. Do not fertilize the medium; the plant captures its own nutrients via prey. Flower stalks should be left to set seed or removed early to conserve the plant’s energy.

Source: International Carnivorous Plant Society — Sundew (Drosera) Care

Observations

September 16, 2025 — Flowering

Produced a flower stalk and bloomed. Seeds collected from the flower — approximately 100 seeds, stored in a paper envelope.

Seed germination attempt planned for a future date. Will document the process when started.

Terrarium

Lives in an open terrarium with butterworts, mosses, and other terrarium companions. Individual profiles linked here as they are documented.