FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our most commonly asked questions. If you don't see your question here, don't hesitate to Contact us.
I want to repot my plant, what do you advise?
Try to stick with the same mixture that we sent the plant in (if the plant wasn't sent bare-root). Below we've also linked to a few of the types of substrates we like to use. You don't have to use these specific brands, just ensure that the substrates you use DO NOT HAVE ANY FERTILIZER, but we've seen several brands adding fertilizer to their perlite for example.
Nepenthes Mix:
- Sphagnum Moss - 45%
- Chunky Perlite - 27.5%
- Coco Coir (well-rinsed) - 27.5%
Carnivorous Peat Mix:
- Organic Peat Moss - 40%
- Coal Slag - 20%
- Regular perlite - 40%
Generally you should go to double the plant-pot size. For Nepenthes for example, if you're in a 3.5" pot, I recommend going to a 6" or 8" hanging basket or tall 6" pot.
Do I really have to use distilled water, rain water, or reverse osmosis?
Yes, unless you can manually test your water output and confirm it is under 50 PPM (Parts Per Million) TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). To test your water, you'll need a TDS Meter. If it's over 50 PPM TDS, you shouldn't use the water, or you should filter it further. Some inexpensive options below for making viable water for carnivorous plants include:
Rain barrel:
The best water you can give your carnivorous plants will always be rain water. The mineral contents are nil, the pH of the water is generally good for the plants, etc. Not only this, but if you are collecting the water using rain, it's free! Many states, cities, counties, etc will also provide rain barrels to residents throughout the year at little to no cost. It is legal in most municipalities to collect your own rainwater, but can vary.
ZeroWater pitcher:
These pitchers work great and are true to their name in our testing. They cost around $20-30 for the pitcher + filter + TDS meter which is also a great deal. If you're using the ZeroWater pitcher solely for watering your carnivorous plants, it'll last you a very long time for each of the filters typically.
Reverse Osmosis:
Many units are easy to install yourself and include easy to follow instructions. We have had good success with the brand Express Water and AQUATICLIFE. Their filters are reasonably priced, last long, and their products are durable and well-built. To install an R/O unit you'll need access to a supply line and a drain line for the waste-water it produces.
Refill water at the store:
If you don't feel like managing a filtration unit or pitcher, several stores like Whole Foods Market provide distilled water and reverse osmosis dispensers that allow you to fill water jugs. Not all water is created equal though and some may add minerals to their water which could cause the TDS to exceed 50 PPM. If it's distilled or reverse osmosis, it should be a safe bet.
But why?
Carnivorous plants evolved in their nutrient-poor environments to gain nitrogen and other sources of nutrients from the food they trap and digest. If their roots are exposed to excess minerals, it will slowly (or quickly depending on mineral content) kill the plant and/or burn the roots of the plant. We want to ensure that they get the most nutrient-poor conditions to allow them to thrive long-term and to prevent having to frequently repot the plant into new substrate.
What do I do with all of these sundew (Drosera) flower stalks?
Most of our sundews are self-pollinating, so you can typically take these stalks once they've dried out and died off and plant the seeds from the flowers into either 1) peat moss or 2) sphagnum moss. By keeping them constantly wet and/or moist, you'll hopefully have successful germination and help grow your sundew army.
My plant has mealybugs, aphids, thrips, or some other nuisance pest. What do I do?!
Carnivorous plants are sadly not immune to common plant pests and don't typically have the same treatment options available as some plants. For most pests, we recommend treating with BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect Disease and Mite Control. You can spray this as recommended and do a mist over the affected plant(s). We only recommend applying this in the evening to ensure the plants do not burn from sunlight.
If you don't want to use a pesticide, you can fully submerge most carnivorous plants for 2 days in distilled water to help drown the pests. Mealybugs can also be desiccated on contact with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol (71% is good).