Carnivorous Plants - Page 7 - Orchid Board

Subrosa · #61 02-10-2014, 02:05 PM

Definitely the way to go.

Laserbeak · #62 02-10-2014, 07:39 PM

Would this be a good medium for carnivorous plants?

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Sounds good from what I've heard they need.

Subrosa · #63 02-10-2014, 07:47 PM

I guess, but I find a 50/50 mix of sand and peat moss works very well. Just make sure the sand is not limestone. Most sand in the NE is fine, but testing is easy. Put a little vinegar on a spoonful of the sand. If it fizzes it's limestone and is no good.

Andrew · #64 02-10-2014, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laserbeak

Would this be a good medium for carnivorous plants?

Aussie Gold™ Orchid Mix : Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies, We offer everything to grow great Orchids!

Sounds good from what I've heard they need.

Personally, I wouldn't want to use it. Coir is normally too high in salts for most carnivorous plants. Neps might be OK but most of the bog species are sensitive to excessive salts. Some people do use coir with good results but they wash it a lot to get rid of the salt. Unless you have prior experience with coir or you have plenty of plants to kill while you figure out how to use it, avoid coir. I'd also avoid anything with wetting agents as some carnivorous plants can be sensitive to them.

If you're just starting out, stick to peatmoss (ie sphagnum-based peat) and sand or peatmoss and perlite based mixes. Granted, peatmoss is not a very environmentally friendly medium but it works and there aren't many alternatives on the market that match it.

Paul · #65 02-11-2014, 11:40 AM

I have used a 50/50 coir/coarse sand mix for Drosera (binata, adelae, and capensis) and Pinguicula (moranensis, and Aphrodite) with no issues at all. The coir in question is ground up and comes in compressed bricks and is typically sold for use as bedding for reptiles, frogs, and invertebrates.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laserbeak

Actually New York City is Zone 7b which is the same USDA Zone most of their natural habitat is in.

Well that explains that. Don't know why I was thinking you were zone 5-6 like we are.

Laserbeak · #66 02-11-2014, 01:47 PM

I have a GIGANTIC bag of perlite (very coarse, but I can pound it up if necessary) and plenty of New Zealand sphagnum moss. So, just make a mixture of them?

Subrosa · #67 02-11-2014, 02:02 PM

It will work nicely, but make sure everything is damp whenyou mix it. Otherwise the perlite tends to migrate to the top.

Laserbeak · #68 02-11-2014, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Well that explains that. Don't know why I was thinking you were zone 5-6 like we are.

Yeah, we're a coastal city and the Atlantic Ocean keeps us warmer than you guys inland.

Andrew · #69 02-11-2014, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laserbeak

I have a GIGANTIC bag of perlite (very coarse, but I can pound it up if necessary) and plenty of New Zealand sphagnum moss. So, just make a mixture of them?

That's probably a safer mix, IMO. Just be careful if the l sphagnum starts to grow too vigorously as it can smother low growing plants like VFTs and rosetted Drosera.

Cactuseed · #70 02-12-2014, 01:48 AM

I have a few carnivores wintering in my garage right now. Venus fly trap, pitcher plants and sundews. I plant in a sub base of peat moss, topped with sphagnum moss. I grow live sphag or other moss on top with the carnivores. Rule of thumb is never fertilize, water with rain water or RO water, and keep the pot in a wet saucer.