Question
Hi,

I see from the topics that you have a lot of experience with Nepenthes species. Unfortunately I don't and that's why I would like to ask you for the best advice about my little N. truncata soil. I used a mix of coconut fibre + perlitte without sphagnum and any other additions. I read that you also grow Nepenthes in coconut fibre and you are satisfied in the result.
I have read quite a lot different point of views about the coconut substrate and I am very confused. Here is what exactly I have used http://www.petco.com/product/10813/Zoo-Med...-Substrate.aspx
I am afraid that maybe this will not effect on my little N. truncata??? What do you think should I do further? Is it possible to repot it in another substrate because it is still a "baby plant" or not? I have bought it 2 days ago from Wistuba site/Germany.When is the best time to repot these plant?

Thanks in advance,

Best regards,
Dimitar Bulgaria

Answer
Hi Dimitar,

Unfortunately the link you provided is inaccurate, so I couldn't access the page.  I understand about the issue regarding salts in coconut husk.  (I'm assuming that this is what you're referring to.)  However, we have a trusted source of coconut husk, and we've been completely satisfied with the results.  

If you're uncomfortable using coconut husk, the only thing I can recommend is to NOT use it.  Use only mixes that you feel comfortable with.  There's no sense in using a product that will make you second guess everything you do.  Again, I don't have a problem with using it.  I know that Borneo Exotics in Sri Lanka uses coconut fiber with their Nepenthes.  But if you're not at all comfortable using coconut fiber, then switch to another soil mix.

You can repot your Nepenthes at anytime of the year.  However, if you plan to repot it in another mix, do so immediately so that it will have time to recover.  Just avoid excess root disturbance and you'll be fine.

For additional soil mixes, read our Nepenthes care sheet on our website:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

We also discuss the issue of Nepenthes soil in our Volume 3 DVD:
http://www.cobraplant.com/DVD

In our DVD, we provide several Nepenthes recipes and show you how to repot and propagate Nepenthes.

So if this is your first time growing a Nepenthes, I strongly recommend that you get a reliable resource and follow it.  If you attempt to read everything single opinion about growing Nepenthes, you'll likely scare yourself into inaction.  There are many opinions about growing Nepenthes because Nepenthes adapt to a lot of growing conditions.  What we recommend is based on decades of experience and observation on what worked for our customers.  So either follow Wistuba's recommendations or our recommendations or any recommendations that you feel is most applicable to your situation.  Once you decide on which instructions you're going to follow, then as a grower, you simply need to monitor your plant and make appropriate adjustments to the environment to get the growth you want.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin