Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 3/14/2010

Question
My N. ventricosa is in a very sorry state... over the winter it has become very withered and degenerate looking, and I don't know an immediate solution. I have not repotted it in some time (not since I've had it actually), but I don't know what soil mix to use. I've included a picture, and as you can see, it's grown somewhat tall, and still needs to be trimmed. I tried applying a very weak orchid fertilizer solution to it about a month ago, but I don't know if that was a good idea or not. If you could help me out I'd be very thankful :) I live in Northern Michigan and we've just seen the grass emerge in the past few weeks, and spring is coming rapidly. I have the plant by a window and under atrificial lights, under which it has thrived since I added it to my collection. I'm also using only distilled water, and Ii don't know exactly what the soil mix is, but it appears to consist primarily of sphagnum moss.

Thanks so much for your help!!

Jasen

Answer
Hi Jasen,

I didn't see any photographs submitted with your question.  A photo will definitely be helpful in your case because the description alone isn't quite enough to make a proper diagnosis.  In any case, since you haven't repotted our plant, you should definitely.  I'm not sure if the soil is the problem, but if it is, it'll definitely help.  If the problem isn't the soil, then it wouldn't hurt.  Use equal parts long-fiber sphangum moss and perlite.  You can also substitute the perlite with pumice or orchid bark.  Also avoid fertilizing your plant.  You may need to wait for new growth before you can assess whether or not the soil was the cause.

If you need further assistance, write back as a follow-up and make sure to upload a clear photograph of your plant.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin