Question
Hi guys!
Today I bought a box of Miracid fertilizer and was hoping I could fertilize my
Nepenthes with it, but after reading something in The Savage Garden that
said Miracid stunts Nepenthes, I thought I would try it on my Sarracenia
instead. Would 1/4 teaspoon be beneficial to my sarracenia flava that are
coming out of dormancy? Also, would you say that it would harm my
Nepenthes Miranda?

Answer
Hi John,

I wouldn't use Miracid.  The reason is because it uses aluminum slats to increase soil acidity.  While acidic soil is good for carnivorous plants, aluminum and other metals are not.  Metals will burn the roots and stunt your plants' growth.

The more appropriate types of fertilizer for carnivorous plants are orchid and seaweed fertilizers.  These forms of fertilizers contain nutrients that are in their natural forms rather than in synthetic forms such as that in Miracid.

However, the main question is whether you really need to fertilize your plants.  In most situations, it's not at all necessary to fertilize them.  If your plants are large, then it's not necessary.  Smaller plants, such as seedlings, could use the boost in nutrients.  If you choose to use fertilizers, use about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon and spray it on the leaves.  Use enough to coat the leaves. Stop spraying when the fertilizer drips onto the soil.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin