FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

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Discuss water requirements, "soil" (growing media) and suitable planting containers

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By OhGreatOne
Posts:  11
Joined:  Wed Jul 08, 2020 3:16 am
#359050
All of the flytraps I've ordered recently have come in long fibered sphagnum moss. Is sphagnum moss better than peat/perlite or is it just an alternative? Which one will yield the best results?


Thanks
By Michael_wang
Posts:  27
Joined:  Thu May 14, 2020 5:08 pm
#359051
honestly, I prefer peat/perlite only because it is much less expensive. sphagnum moss is better for the flytrap but again, it is much more expensive.
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By schmeg
Location: 
Posts:  302
Joined:  Tue Jun 05, 2018 8:07 pm
#359078
In my experience, sphagnum moss doesn't get algae the way loose peat can. I can let the very top of the LFSM dry out a bit and know that deep down the roots are still nice and damp.

It's also great for outdoor pots, as rain showers don't bounce it out of the pot. Squirrels leave mine alone.

You can always fill the pot with peat mix, then top with LFSM to get the best of both worlds.
By hungry carnivores
#359084
@Schmeg, you're lucky. Black squirrels seem to be the worst, gray squirrels are more timid or something. In California, I'd avoid using LFS outside, if it's not living.
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By OhGreatOne
Posts:  11
Joined:  Wed Jul 08, 2020 3:16 am
#359089
I woke up today to a slippery film on the top of my sphagnum moss. I have been watering frequently because of how hot it is here. Is this algae and should I let the top dry out a bit?
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By optique
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Posts:  1893
Joined:  Fri May 24, 2019 11:15 pm
#359101
I like peat perlite because its cheap and lets me be lazy and use a water trey.
This year i used a layer of pool filter sand to top off the pots, no growths on the sand and i like the look.

last year
Image Image

this year with sand topping
Image
i did split the green one up
ImageImageImage
MikeB liked this
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