FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

So i read on venus flytrap care for potting mixes that 1 part peat to 1 part perlite is readily excepted by venus flytraps for potting mixtures.Should i go with that ratio of a mixture or should i go with something else?Thanks.

I prefer a mix with silica sand in it. The sand breaks up the soil better and allows for a healthier root system. But many people have trouble finding silica sand, so a 50:50 mix of peat and perlite will work just fine.

Yeah thats the basic mix I use with my plants and they do very well.

I use the basic peat/perlite mix as well, but I also add a light sprinkle of dead, chopped sphagnum moss to loosen the mix up a bit. I find it also helps my soil reserves last a little longer.

Im going to use peat/perlite/broke up polystyrene(instead of silica). at a 40/30/30 medium and a layer of live sphagnum on top will this be ok?? and for germinating seeds?

Sounds good! I don't know if you need the live sphagnum on top for venus fly traps but whatever you prefer.

For seeds I finely sift my soil mixture (peat/sand) using a seive and just use that. I don't add anything else to it unless I'm worried about losing moisture rapidly (which never happens).

Grey wrote:Sounds good! I don't know if you need the live sphagnum on top for venus fly traps but whatever you prefer.

For seeds I finely sift my soil mixture (peat/sand) using a seive and just use that. I don't add anything else to it unless I'm worried about losing moisture rapidly (which never happens).

well i already payed for the live fresh sphanum so i may aswell use it now

Great . I personally don't use it but I'm sure others prefer to, so if it works for you then fantastic!

chriscanivorous wrote:Im going to use peat/perlite/broke up polystyrene(instead of silica). at a 40/30/30 medium and a layer of live sphagnum on top

If you live in a very humid environment, that mix ratio sounds OK. If you live in a less humid environment, you might consider changing the mix ratio to 50/25/25 (sphagnum-peat-moss/perlite/polystyrene-bits). The live sphagnum moss will be problematic if you use it with Venus Flytraps, because the Flytraps will like more direct sunlight and heat than living sphagnum may prefer. So the live sphagnum may be uncomfortable and the tips may brown and dry out, and if you keep the live sphagnum moss wet enough for its own comfort, you would probably be overwatering the Venus Flytrap and might encourage rot.

Live sphagnum moss works well in some conditions (cooler temperatures or with plants that like diminished light in hot temperatures) and not so well in others. This is just one grower's opinions. I'm sure you'll get other opinions to consider as well. Happy growing!--

Steve_D wrote:

chriscanivorous wrote:Im going to use peat/perlite/broke up polystyrene(instead of silica). at a 40/30/30 medium and a layer of live sphagnum on top

If you live in a very humid environment, that mix ratio sounds OK. If you live in a less humid environment, you might consider changing the mix ratio to 50/25/25 (sphagnum-peat-moss/perlite/polystyrene-bits). The live sphagnum moss will be problematic if you use it with Venus Flytraps, because the Flytraps will like more direct sunlight and heat than living sphagnum may prefer. So the live sphagnum may be uncomfortable and the tips may brown and dry out, and if you keep the live sphagnum moss wet enough for its own comfort, you would probably be overwatering the Venus Flytrap and might encourage rot.

Live sphagnum moss works well in some conditions (cooler temperatures or with plants that like diminished light in hot temperatures) and not so well in others. This is just one grower's opinions. I'm sure you'll get other opinions to consider as well. Happy growing!--

Yeh the humidity were i live is between 83-98% so i think its should be wise

Woah! I don't I could survive with a humidity level that high.
Where I live the humidity usually gets to high of 75% rarely higher.