FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Hey guys,

I have just about given up finding #12 sand for my potting mixes. I read in a succulent group that they use insoluble chicken grit.

Wondering if this was safe for flytraps or if anyone has had experience using chicken grit. Is granite minerally inert or would it leak minerals into the soil eventually?

Look at the label.
I bought some Chicken Grit made from Granite.
That's inert and fine for Flytraps.
Stay away from lime/calcium based grits.

Thanks! How long have you been using it and what ratio do you mix with peat?

VFTNoob wrote: ↑Sat Oct 24, 2020 3:43 pm Thanks! How long have you been using it and what ratio do you mix with peat?

Couple years of use shows no problems.
I mix 1:1 or 2:1 Peat:Grit, depending on plant.

I too have problems finding suitable coarse sand so I have used granite grit, and I agree with Shadowtski, it works just fine.

Just a heads up. I tried chicken grit as well for my pinguicula. Unfortunately, some chicken grits are nutritionally enhanced to promote better bird health and growth. Be sure what you are using does not have that. I did not have good results with it and it was hard to get it clean of the additives. Could not find a grit that did not have it so be sure to check the bag for what all is in there. I moved on to pool sand and aquatic potting soil (fired clay)

twitcher wrote: ↑Sun Oct 25, 2020 5:17 am Just a heads up. I tried chicken grit as well for my pinguicula. Unfortunately, some chicken grits are nutritionally enhanced to promote better bird health and growth. Be sure what you are using does not have that. I did not have good results with it and it was hard to get it clean of the additives. Could not find a grit that did not have it so be sure to check the bag for what all is in there. I moved on to pool sand and aquatic potting soil (fired clay)

That's very interesting I didn't know such a thing existed, sounds like a good idea... for chickens anyway. Thanks for the heads up John, good tip.

Thanks guys