Question
QUESTION: Is there a way or technique you can recommend to keep drosera capensis from growing so tall they fall over. I realize it is a great sign to have them grow so aggressively but I'd like to keep them from exceeding the soil surface as much, adding additional peat/sand encourages even higher growth which they can't sustain.
Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Gary,

Sometimes when Drosera capensis topple over, it's a sign that the light levels may not be strong enough to sustain healthy growth.  In lower light conditions, plants will quickly roduce long stems to increase their chances of reaching sufficient sunlight.  Unfortunately, the stems end up being weaker, hence they topple over.  

In our collection, we have many very large mother plants that are tall and upright.  We grow them in almost full sun conditions, which encourages stronger stem growth.

So take a look at your lighting.  You didn't mention how you're growing it, so I'm not sure if lighting is at all an issue.  In any case, poor lighting is the most common reasons for weak stem growth.

For now, you can use chopsticks or wooden skewers to stake your plant up.  Just insert the stick near the base of the plant and tie the stem and stick together with string or thread.

For more information about proper lighting with tropical sundews, read our care sheets online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

If you feel that lighting is not an issue, then please write back as a follow-up with more details about how you're growing your plant.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Please specify what type of artificial lighting would satisty a tropical sundew during the winter months here in Pennsylvania and how long they can/should be exposed.
Thank you again.

Answer
If a sunny window is not possible, use a couple of 40-watt fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent bulbs of equivalent output. Keep the light source approximately 8 inches above the plant. If leaves are light green and not dewy, move the lights closer to increase the intensity. The light should be on for 14 hours during spring and summer, and 12 hours during fall and winter.

Avoid using incandescent bulbs. They produce too much heat and the wrong type of light spectrum. Even incandescent 揼row-lights?are inappropriate for carnivorous plants.

This and more information is also located in the care sheet section of our website:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin