Question
QUESTION: Hi Im already buy a Sarracenia Purpurea seeds and N.vikingraff Seeds I need to know is the perfect mix of sustract to growing. Im from Pueto Rico and I can find easly the peat moss and the river sand.

ANSWER: Hi Carlos,

Sarracenia seeds (all Sarracenia) germinate well on a mix of 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 sand.

Nepenthes are better sown on ground or chopped long-fiber sphagnum moss, or well-washed coir (ground coconut fiber).

Good Growing!

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

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QUESTION: In recent  days I've read that a good mix of venus flytrap soil for the peat moss and perlite is. The peat moss and perlite I can easily get the where I live. I buy  venus flytrap seeds also. This mix of soil is also good for Nepenthes and Sarracenia?

Answer
Hi Carlos,

When it comes to carnivorous plant soil for the bog species such as Sarracenia pitcher plants, most sundews, Venus Flytraps, and many butterworts, peat moss is what they grow in under natural conditions in their native habitats.  In cultivation mixing peat moss with some rock ingredient helps drainage.  That rock ingredient can be perlite, sand, pumice, or even very small lava rock.  You just don't want to add anything that would add nutrients, or change the pH (like limestone or marble).

Nepenthes are not bog plants.  They like a more well-drained mix.  That's why I recommend coir or sphagnum moss.  Typical peat/perlite mix is too heavy, especially for adult plants.

Be sure to visit our caresheet pages for more information, and consider our DVD series.  They can really help you to avoid mistake so common to new growers.  Caresheets:  http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=7&chapter=1  DVD's:  http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=38

Good Growing!

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