FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Hi all,

I've been reading around the forums regarding a green algae like substance consistently growing on my vft's soil. I mixed a 50:50 Perlite/ Peat Moss medium but did not "boil" or "rinse" the peat moss (which I'm assuming may be one of the causes of this algae/mold). It began growing on the perlite and I have tried physically removing the substance via scraping or removing the perlite and placed moist peat moss over the areas to drown out its source of sunlight. However, it still seems to be growing on my soil. Will this be an ongoing battle? Should I even consider investing in a pesticide or placing sand on over the soil? Will this green algae/mold harm my plant? Should I not water my plant for a few days and let the sun bake it? or may that harm my plant?
I'd like to remove it permanently. Also, I rarely top water my plant and it receives a hearty 7-8 hours of direct sunlight a day (unless its cloudy!)


Also since I've already made a thread... I have cut off dead traps but left the (stalk, leaf?) of the plant for photosynthesis, yet whenever I cut a piece off the next day it turns black which eventually spreads down the remainder of the leaf. Eventually this will lead down to the bulb. My question is what should I do to prevent any harmful mold growing on the dead leaves as I wont be able to cut it off without physically touching the bulb? (if this makes any sense!) Should I even worry?

Thank you,

Gz

Thanks for the advice!
My plant gets about 7-8 hours of direct sunlight and I bottom water my plant with about an inch of water a day, would you suggest cutting down bottom watering to about once every other day depending on the moisture of the soil?

Id like to know where our sun is in England lately *sob*