Question
Hey Jeff and Jacob!

so, my question is regarding repotting some of my younger nepenthes... namely my N. hamata, N. raja, and the N. hamata hybrid I recently picked up from you.

I've been wondering how well they work in the African Violet pots? I've been slacking as of late to make sure they are watered properly... Work/school/and GF have been keeping me busy.. so I'm trying to find some methods to keep them watered properly.

Also, if they do work well in those types of pots, what kinds of thinks do I need to look out for when I repot them... and should I keep the same soil mixture or use something different for these pots? (hamata seems to be in the standard nepenthes soil mix, raja and hybrid are in a mix with live spag. moss)

Thanks guys!!

Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan,

These particular Nepenthes wouldn't grow as well in African violet pots.  They tend to like the soil a tad bit wetter than other Nepenthes, like N. sanguinea.  

If you're having trouble keeping the soil moist, try this trick.  Upgrade your plants to a 5-inch pot and line the bottom of the pots with dried sphagnum moss (moisten before using).  Place your plants in the pot with the appropriate soil mix.  You can use live sphagnum moss for all three, if you have it.  Otherwise, the Nepenthes mix that we use is fine.  Drench the pots with lots of water to ensure the soil is completely wet.  Set the pots in a tray of water and keep the water level no higher than an inch.  The dried sphagnum moss will wick water up to the soil and help keep the soil moist.  

When the tray starts to dry up, top water your plants and allow the water to pool in the tray.  Add only enough water so the water level remains no higher than an inch.

You'll need to watch your plants carefully for signs of root rot.  If you keep the water level low, much lower than the roots, then you should be safe. The larger pot size will hold more soil, which means it'll remain moist longer.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin