Question
Jeff,

I have some Perma-Nest plant trays that I have live sphagnum moss growing in...I was wanting to try germinating some highland Nepenthes seeds by sowing the seeds on top of the sphagnum moss. Have you guys ever tried this germination method with Nepenthes seeds? If so, how well did they turn out??

One problem I anticipate with this particular method is once the seeds germinate, the sphagnum moss will outgrow the seedlings and crowd them out...

Thank you,

Derick

Answer
Hi Derick,

Using dried (dead) sphagnum moss is fine for Nepenthes seedlings.  Like you anticipated, live moss will outgrow the seedlings.  Many Nepenthes enjoy the live moss as a top dressing on the pots, but you'll loose the babies in the moss growth.  This is particularly true with highlanders which are very slow growing.

Good Growing!

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