- This is how the substrate for Nepenthes has to be
- You mix the substrate yourself from these materials
- Sphagnum is controversial as a substrate
- Create drainage in the pot
- Fertilize sparingly
You should never put pitcher plants in normal garden soil or potting soil. Such soils contain too many nutrients and also become too dense. You can buy special carnivore soil in hardware stores or garden stores. However, you can also mix the substrate for Nepenthes yourself.
The substrate for the Nepenthes can also be mixed together yourself
This is how the substrate for Nepenthes has to be
- Relaxed
- airy
- low in nutrients
- slightly sour
You mix the substrate yourself from these materials
With all materials it is important that they remain airy for as long as possible and do not stick. They must also be low in nutrients, since Nepenthes will rot and die if the supply of nutrients is too high.
Peat, especially white peat, is suitable as a basis. The substrate should consist of at least half peat. To ensure sufficient loosening, you can mix in small Styrofoam balls.
Since pitcher plants need adequate moisture, water-retaining materials should also be added. Gravel, expanded clay (€19.73), quartz sand (€15.85) and coconut fibers are suitable for this.
Sphagnum is controversial as a substrate
Sphagnum is the technical term for peat moss. It is often available dried in specialist shops. Some experts swear by simply growing Nepenthes on Sphagnum. However, peat moss must not be mixed with peat, as the substrate then sticks together too quickly.
In order to grow Nepenthes on peat moss, you should definitely create a drainage layer in the pot so that the roots of the pitcher plant are not permanently submerged in water.
Create drainage in the pot
The pitcher plant does not get waterlogged at all. Therefore, make sure there is a large drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Place larger pebbles on top to keep the hole from clogging.
Drainage in the pot is recommended. To do this, fill the lower part of the container with coarse pebbles or aquarium sand and only then fill in the Nepenthes substrate.
Fertilize sparingly
Whatever substrate you use, be careful not to over-fertilize the pitcher plant. Rare sparing doses of orchid fertilizer are sufficient but not essential.
You should also repot Nepenthes regularly to provide the plant with new substrate.
tips
If mixing the carnivore soil is too much effort for you, simply use lightly fertilized orchid soil. It is usually cheaper than special earth. Just make sure the material stays nice and loose.