Question
I have 3 varieties of cape sundew ( typical, red leaf, white leaf ) and here are my concerns with them individually.

Typical ( Mature )

1) This is a mature plant that seems to produce a flower stalk every 2 months even when I cut them off. Now when I do let it produce the full stalk the flower pods always seem to become black/brown or just fail to flower. What's the reason for that? Should I just cut the flower stalks that appear to preserve the plants energy?

2) The stalk that is growing now has made a small purple flower so how can I ensure that it will produce seed? Should I used a small q-tip to gather the pollen and shake it around within the flower?

3) The base of the plant has starting growing a small tubular red sprout. Should this be of concern? Is this a start of a new plant?

Red Leaf / White Leaf ( Tiny )

1) The growth has been very slow and less vigorous then the mature typical kind? Do these varieties need more light?

2) Can I place all cape sundew in full direct sunlight along with my VFTs and pitcher plants? Will this burn them and promote an unhealthy plant or promote vigorous growth?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Neil,

Keep in mind that I don't know how you're growing your plants, so I can't give you my assessment of your lighting, watering or soil conditions.

1) Flower stalks usually fail to blossom if the temperature is too cool or too warm, if the soil dries out, if the plant is growing in suboptimal lighting, or if conditions are changing drastically.  Cutting flower stalks doesn't preserve the energy of the plant.  It just means that it'll redirect its energy to leaf production.  So if you prefer more leaves, then cut the flower stalk.

2) If your plant is producing flowers, then you can let nature takes its course.  There's no need to hand pollinate these flowers.  They self-pollinate very readily.

3) You likely have seedlings sprouting up.

4) Yes, give these plants as much light as possible.  The red variety grows best in full sun.

5) The red variety will tolerate full sun and warm conditions.  The other varieties will tolerate full sun. However, they prefer cooler temperatures, so you may need to provide shade from the intense afternoon sun during the summer months.  If the temperature gets too warm, your plant will produce smaller leaves and less dew.  They'll perk up again when the temperature cools in late summer.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin