Question
QUESTION: I have a pale pitcher that I purchased from you this year.  It is doing very well.  I am planning on creating a small bog to plant it and some other plants in.  I am planning on using a pre-molded pond liner (very small, around 3 ft. in diameter) and perforating the bottom.  How deep should I go to accommodate the roots of the pale pitcher as it grows, and in general, how deep should I plan for if I am thinking of adding other varieties of cp in the future?  I live in North Central FL (zond 8b), so I will only be planting varieties which will survive outdoors all year long.

Thanks,

Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

As long as the depth is 1 foot or more, you're good to go. Most pre-molded pond liners are at least a foot deep.  Pitcher plants like to send their roots deep, so you definitely want to give them the opportunity to do so.  When you do so, you will see your plants grow bigger faster.

Good growing!
jacob Farin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help I'm hoping to get started this weekend.

Now, I have a couple of additional questions.  I have read that a mixture of peat, sand, and perlite works well.  Since I live in FL (within about 50 miles of the natural habitat for most of the plants I am planning on using) I am sitting on acres of sand.  How do I know if I can use what I already have in my yard without purchasing 'pure' sand?  Obviously, using sand will reduce the amount of peat that I have to purchase.  Also, perlite and the outdoors (wind) aren't a great combination, and I just don't like the look of all of that white stuff in my plants.  Is there a substitute that can be used that will provide good aeration but is heavier and more natural looking?

Answer
Hi Mike,

Sand is a tricky issue because not all sand is the same.  Because you live near the natural habitat of Sarracenia, you most likely could use the sand on your property.  This is true only if you are inland or in the Florida panhandle.  If you are near a beach, the sand might be coral sand, which is inappropriate for plants.

You could also test the pH of the sand by submersing it in distilled water for a few hours, and then test the pH of the water.  If it's close to neutral (7), you're good to go.  If it's 8 or higher, calcium is leaching into the water from the sand.  In this case, use the sand with caution.

Another option is to use small grade pumice.  Many growers use pumice because it provides just as much aeration as perlite and is a bit cheaper.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin