Question
Jeff,

What soil mix do you use to germinate your Sarracenia seedlings?
I read an article online regarding the use of "day old" coffee (brewed with RO water) as a fertilizer for Nepenthes. The article focused on N. rajah...the grower reported after fertilizing his N. rajah with the room temperature coffee, he reported after a month or so there was a significant increase in growth. What are your thoughts on using coffee as a fertilizer for Nepenthes?

Many thanks,

Derick

Answer
Hi Derick,

There's been some lengthy discussions on using coffee to fertilize Nepenthes.  Coffee grounds are also very popular in vegetable gardens.  They are considered similar to grass clippings for compost in terms of the amounts of nitrogen they release.  I've use coffee a couple times, and it caused no adverse effects, but I didn't see the dramatic results many talk about.  I'm guessing that like all fertilizers, your growing conditions need to be optimal, then it is helpful.  If they are not, it won't help.  My trial was during the winter, so conditions were not great.  The growers I heard great reports from were in Florida.

For Sarracenia seeds we sow them either on standard peat perlite mix, or often just peat moss alone.  They extra aeration that the perlite gives isn't as much benefit until the plants are older.  Many folks use ground sphagnum too, and it's great also.

Good Growing!

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