Question
I had purchased a beautiful Cobra Lily a few months from a reputable dealer. It is doing wonderfully and growing great. After watching Volume 1 of your DVD series, I think I am using the wrong soil media. I am currently using Nepenthes soil mix that contains dried sphagnum. I have ordered everything accept the Lava rock ( currently not in stock) by you guys. I know it is not recommended to re-pot now but after watching your great videos I am nervous about the current media I am using.

So I have 2 questions...

1. Where can I find lava rock for potting purposes? All the lava rock I find is for use with gas grills.

2. When and if I do re-pot should I soak the roots in SuperThrive?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Drew,

If your plant is doing fine now, leave it alone.  Darlingtonia are definitely more touchy about root disturbance compared to Sarracenia.  Next April, depending on where you live, is a good time to transplant.  If you're in warmer climate such as California or anywhere in the South, early March is good.  I find that if you can repot right when they are starting to come out of dormancy, they seem to be able to handle the recovery better.  Superthrive is a good idea.  It really helps with transplanting shock.

Lava rock isn't vital.  Check with decorative rock companies.  The stuff for gas grills is ok, it's just a bit big.  You want a smaller diameter rock.  Pumice is good too if you can find it.  Otherwise, equal parts peat moss, perlite and small orchid bark will get the job done also.  If you can get a hold of live sphagnum moss, that is an excellent medium.  The goal with Darlingtonia medium is similar to Nepenthes; it needs to hold moisture, but drain well to give good root aeration.

Good Growing!

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