Question
Allexperts,

Hey I have a question about whether or not a Nepenthes ventricosa can handle water that is 218 total dissolved minerals.

Answer
Hi Weylin,

218ppm is pretty hard.  They will tolerate it, however it will still be a good idea to supplement the water with rainwater and distilled water.  If you use your tap water regularly to water your Nepenthes, you may need to repot more frequently.  Plan on once a year.

On a related subject, when we did the volume #1 "Grow Carnivorous Plants" we mentioned in the water segment that most pitcher type filters don't work for cp since Brita, Pur etc... don't remove minerals.  However, a new one has hit the market that does remove minerals.  It's called "Zero Water".  http://www.zerowater.com/  I believe Target sells them.  It uses an ion exchange filter that takes out minerals.  It's less money up front if you just need a small amount of purified water, similar to buying from machines at grocery stores.  However, if you need more water, reverse osmosis is the most economical.

Good Growing!

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