Question
Hi. I've read a lot of articles on the net about nepenthes soil mix, and I'm really concerned about charcoal. Is the charcoal that is used in nepenthes soil mix the same as the charcoal that is used for cooking, heating?? If yes, then how can I treat those charcoal into horticultural charcoal?

Answer
Hi Tan,

I've read several articles both from carnivorous plant growers and from regular plant and houseplant experts.  Most say that charcoal isn't beneficial, and may even be harmful.  Nepenthes don't need it.  It offers no real benefit to the soil mix.

Good Growing!

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