Question
Hi Jeff and Jacob

  In my never ending search for better growing media for my Nepenthes, I came across a product called Hydroton. The product description says:

"Derived from a renewable and plentiful source (clay), Hydroton is considered an ecologically sustainable growing medium. The clay is formed into pellets and fired in rotary kilns at 1200癈. This causes the clay to expand, like popcorn, and become porous.

Hydroton hydroponic growing media is light in weight, does not compact and is completely reusable - it can be cleaned and sterilized after use. They are also inert, pH neutral and do not contain any nutrients. The pellets drain freely and do not hold any excessive water"  

What do you think about using this as an added drainage material to long fiber sphagnum ? I would be hesitant about using clay except for the fact they claim their product is inert -- so it should be OK for CP -- right ?

Thanks for the help
Nicole
90 miles north of NYC  

Answer
Hi Nicole,

From the description, I would say it's worth experimenting with.  Usually fired clay is inert.  Even if the pellets released small amounts of minerals, Nepenthes wouldn't mind at all.  We used to use vermiculite in our mixes, though we're phasing out this ingredient.

The pellets might also be OK for other carnivorous plants.  But like usual, we like to experiment with it before giving a definitive thumbs up or thumbs down.  For now, use it only with your Nepenthes and Mexican butterworts.  If you want to experiment with it on other plants, use a Drosera adelae and flytrap.  These two plants tend to be the most sensitive to chemicals and such.  If they past the test, the product should be fine for Sarracenia and other types of sundews.

Just to let you know, perlite has the same properties and is produced in the same manner.  You can even rinse it and reuse it.  So make sure you also do a cost comparison.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin