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Carnivorous Plants/Quikrete Play Sand

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Expert: - 12/2/2010


Question
Hi,
I just repotted a large portion of my plants with peat and quikrete premium
play sand. I read that some play sand can be harmful to carnivorous plants,
and I want to be sure that they will not be in danger. The MSDS for the sand
says it is 99.0-99.9% quartz sand. Is this ok or should I re-repot? You can see
the MSDS here:  http://www.quikrete.com/PDFs/MSDS-B4-Playsand.pdf

Thank you
Charles

Answer
Hi Charles,

I've used Quickrete play sand many times.  It's fine.  I think it's processed in Portland, and probably has silica and basalt in it.  Sands from the midwest would be more of a problem since they would contain limestone.  Never hurts to wash it some.  

If you're in the Portland area, avoid Ross Island sand however.  I used some one time, and it smelled weird.  It also comes from the Willamette river so it probably has all kinds of nasties in it.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

Carnivorous Plants

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If your plant is showing poor growth, discoloration, abnormal leaves or possible infestation, the growers at Sarracenia Northwest can help! Carnivorous plant experts Jeff Dallas and Jacob Farin will help you diagnose the problem and get your plants on the right track. Their no nonsense approach has helped thousands of growers all over the world. They can help you too!

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With over 40 years of combined experience, Jeff and Jacob has definitely taken a straight forward approach to growing carnivorous plants. They have encountered many types of diseases, abnormal growth and infestations related to carnivorous plants, and they know what it takes to get plants looking beautiful and healthy again.

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Authors of Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden and producers of the Grow Carnivorous Plants! DVD Series. They also produce a monthly video podcast to illustrate how plants cycle through the seasons.

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