Question
Hey Jeff,

I have a question pertaining to the use of coir for germinating Nepenthes seeds. Would you recommend putting some type of material such as washed gravel to help with the drainage before adding the coir to the container? I would then sow the seeds on top of the coir...

I have never used coir before for germinating Nepenthes. I think you mentioned before that Sam Estes uses coir exclusively for germinating all of his Nepenthes.



Many thanks,

Derick

Answer
Hi Derick,

You won't need to add anything to it since coir drains much better than peat moss anyway.  You will need to rinse the coir very well.  To do this, expand a block of it first, then soak it in purified water, change the water, soak it again.  What you're doing with this is removing any last traces of salt.

Seeds are sown right on the surface.  You will need a transparent cover to keep humidity high.  Treatment with a fungicide is recommended.

Good Growing!

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