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Carnivorous Plants/Fertilizing Nepethes
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Question
I have read, in numerous places, not to fertilize the tropical nepenthe, but about a year ago I tried an experiment and started using Eleanor's VF-11 "'seems like magic' on all your plants" (0.15 0.85 0.55) and I've been very happy with the results. I live in San Jose, CA and since I starting using this dilute fertilizer my tropic nepenthes are growing like crazy and producing huge pitchers all year round.
Do you foresee any long term negative affects from using this?
Plants are inside and get filtered afternoon sun and are growing among bromiliads and related plants. They never get hot direct sun.
Hi Gary,
The NPK ratios seem very low, so that's probably why it's working well for you. As long as the concentration is low and you provide lots of sunlight, you can continue doing what you're doing. The long-term issues will depend heavily on your watering method. If you flush your soil regularly and fertilizer once over 4-5 waterings, the plants should be OK. For good measure, you should also change the soil yearly to prevent nutrient buildup.
Good growing!
Jacob Farin
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you! I was thinking along the same lines, that is flushing the soil regularly to prevent build-up. I know I should replant yearly, but I'm so hesitant to disturb a plant when it's doing so well. Got to get over that. Thanks again, Gary | ||
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Sarracenia Northwest
Expertise
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!
Experience
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.
Education/Credentials
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.
No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.
Just the straight facts from guys who grow and propagate
thousands of carnivorous plants each year.
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