My first post! Nepenthes questions

14 years ago

Hi,

As will become painfully apparent with the types of questions I ask, I'm the most amateur of gardeners with an old interest in carnivorous plants. If anyone can answer some of my questions it would be greatly appreciated.

1) I'm trying to figure out the best arrangement for some Sarracenia ventriculosa I just picked up. I've heard from numerous sources that hanging pots are the way to go for pitcher plants, but why? I've thought to myself that perhaps they're better aerated, perhaps they pick up ambient air humidity better, etc. but I've yet to find an authoritative question as to when hanging planters are appropriate and why.

2) What is the best draining soil mix for nepenthes of that sort? I've seen numerous conflicting answers on this topic and I was wondering what you carnivorous plant enthusiasts prefer. I'm thinking of settling on some kind of sand/perlite mix for my pitcher plants but given my knowledge base, it's a toss up as to whether that's just acceptable or a death sentence to my plant.

Thanks for your time! Hopefully one day I can help you guys with questions. :)

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Comments (3)

tommyr_gw Zone 6
14 years ago
They do NOT have to be in hanging baskets. Although you could grow them fine in them I use plastic pots myself.

Best soil mix is a 50/50 mix of peat moss and perlite. Some people may work in some sand but it's not needed. DO NOT use the Miracle grow perlite, it has fertilizer in it! I'm beginning to REALLY HATE miracle products.

And remember, they do NOT need to be sitting in a water tray. Just keep the soil moist and give it bright, indirect Sun.
taz6122
14 years ago
There you go with peat moss again Tommy lol.

It must be sphagnum peat moss. Most peat moss contains compost which will kill your plants. I go with the 2-1-1 ratio. Sphagnum peat-perlite-orchid bark. If you can't find regular perlite then substitute with silica or play sand. Silica sand can be found at pool centers.

Tommy I agree with you about miracle products. They are the reason we are hard pressed to find just plain perlite or any other plain additive to amend our soils with. I bought the last bag of perlite from a local nursery last week and am worried that will be the last bag I find locally. Oh well, I'm sure I can find some online.

BTW beluomogiardino sarracenia and nepenthes are two completely different plants.
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tommyr_gw Zone 6
14 years ago
I have been using regular peat moss for 5 years on my CPs without a single issue.

Just saying. Pure peat should contain no other material. Read the labels as always!