Question
I guys,
Can I use miracle grow fertilizer on my carnivorous plants, such as,Sarracenia, Fly traps, sundews, tropical pitcher plants?

I heard that it is bad to use on tropical pitchers.

Thanks, Jake

Answer
Hi Jake,

Miracle-gro's acid fertilizer (used to be called Miracid) has been used on Sarracenia, flytraps and sundews for years.  I think they call it a Rhododendron and Azalea fertilizer now.  It still comes in a blue box.  As long as you keep it very dilute it's fine.

For many of the tropical plants orchid fertilizers are better since they are formulated for epiphytic plants.  I've never heard one way or the other on whether or not Miracle-gro's standard formula is harmful to Nepenthes, but I do know it will damage leaves of Mexican butterworts.  The best fertilizers to use as a foliar feed are those that are Urea free.  With any fertilizer use no more than 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.  Fertilizer is only helpful if you standard growing conditions are good.  Fertilizer will never make up for lack of sun, or if temperatures are too cold, etc...

Good Growing!

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