FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I have seen a lot of different ratios of sand to peat, including 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. My question is, does the ratio matter, and if it does, what are its effects.

Yes, it matters, at least to a certain degree and generally speaking, and the effect, more or less, is to seek the best balance between air and water for any given plant under your specific conditions.

@Huntsmanshorn said it best. It's about trying to find a balance with different plants. My method of growing them usually has me opting for more drainage. There are certain types that you want to stay within the boundaries though. A lot of Nepenthes don't like peat moss and like much airier mixtures. Pinguicula like Primulifora like heavier peat mixtures where their Mexican counterparts do well in sandier/coarse media with rocks. Just depends.

Thanks!

To add to what the others have said, it can depend on how you care for the plants as well. People can get away with using more peat for plants that prefer airier mixes simply by watering less often. Though it's generally a good idea to use perlite rather than sand for plants that don't like dense media.