Question
Hi Sarracenia

Recently I've asked you about my Venus Fly Trap, you said I mustn't let it bloom this year and rather wait another year and to give it much more sun, I had to put it in full sun over a weeks time which I did. The leaves are turning red.

I want to repot it now and have Canadian Peat Moss and Perlite but I can't find silica sand anywhere...I've found coarse silica sand but its like small stones and grayish in color. Will that work? Is the silica sand really necessary, can I use something else in its place?

The ratio of the mix I want to repot it in is: 5 parts Peat Moss, 3 parts Silica sand and 2 parts perlite. (5:3:2)

I really hope you can help-as the roots are already protruding at the bottom

Thanks
Lize
(Mosselbay, South Africa)

Answer

Wild Venus Flytrap   Hi Lize,

Silica sand is sometimes hard to find.  A good quality washed sand for horticultural use would be fine.  If you can't find that use equal parts by volume peat moss to perlite.

The red color you are seeing in the leaves is normal.  You may get some burn as the plant transitions, but when the new leaves grow they will be strong and healthy.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com