🌿 Drosera affinis 'Namibia' Care Sheet
An elegant African sundew with long, slender leaves and striking red tentacles.
📍 Origin
Southern Africa – especially Namibia. Grows in seasonally wet, sunny grasslands and open habitats.
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Carnivorous sundew (Drosera) |
| Size | Rosette 6–12 cm across, flower stalks up to 30 cm |
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading rosette |
| Ideal For | Sunny windowsills, greenhouses, outdoor bog gardens (mild climates), terrariums with airflow |
🌞 Light Requirements
Indoors / Terrarium: Bright light or full-spectrum grow light for 12–14 hrs/day.
South-, east-, or north-facing windows (Southern Hemisphere) are best.Garden: Full sun to very bright filtered light.
Avoid full day sun if temperatures exceed 35°C—partial shade may help.Signs of Good Light: Red tentacles, compact growth, strong dew production.
💧 Watering
Method: Keep soil consistently moist. Use the tray method indoors or in terrariums.
Water Type: Only use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water.
Humidity:
Terrarium: 60–90%
Houseplant: 40–70%
Garden: Will tolerate drier air if roots stay moist and sun isn’t too harsh.
🪴 Soil & Potting
Mix: 1 part peat moss : 1 part perlite or silica sand. No fertilizer or compost.
Pot: Plastic pots (8–12 cm), or plant in bog-style garden bed. Avoid clay pots.
Terrarium Substrate: Same mix, with a shallow drainage layer if fully enclosed.
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal Range:
Day: 20–30°C
Night: 10–18°C
Tolerances: Short dips below 5°C or above 35°C are survivable with some protection.
Terrarium Note: Ensure proper airflow to prevent overheating and fungal issues.
🌬️ Airflow & Ventilation
Terrarium setups must include airflow (fans or regular opening) to prevent mold and keep dew production high.
Indoors: Place near open window or ensure light air movement.
🌸 Flowering
Produces tall stalks with multiple pink-lavender blooms.
Can flower frequently under good light. Flowers are self-fertile—can produce seed.
Remove flower stalks if energy needs to be conserved for vegetative growth.
🌱 Propagation
Seed: Sow on moist peat/sand mix. Germination in 2–6 weeks with good light and humidity.
Leaf Cuttings: Place leaves on moist medium in high humidity; plantlets form in ~4 weeks.
Root Cuttings: Gently split thick roots and plant horizontally in moist substrate.
🚫 Avoid
Tap water or fertilizers.
Low light (causes weak, green, dewless growth).
Sealed terrariums with no airflow.
Overcrowding with moss or plants that block light and air.
🌿 Best Uses
| Environment | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Houseplant | ✔️ Excellent for sunny windowsills or under grow lights. |
| Terrarium | ✔️ Very good if humidity + airflow are balanced. |
| Outdoor garden | ✔️ In mild climates or protected bog setups (frost-free or very light frost). |
📌 Tips for Success
Rotate indoor plants weekly to ensure even light exposure.
Remove dead leaves to prevent mold.
Feed with small insects (springtails, gnats, fruit flies) every 2–4 weeks if no natural prey.
In terrariums, ensure the plant isn’t crowded or shaded by moss or other foliage.