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Carnivorous Plants/Coffee for my nepenthes?

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Expert: - 11/12/2011


Question
Hello my name is Matt and I stumbled upon some forums and topics the other day about watering nepenthes with coffee. From what Ihave read in numerous forums it has really great effects when used no more than twice a year. If I plant to do this I would probably water my only two nepenthes which are struggling to grow new leaves and produce pitchers. They are an n clipeata x eymae and an n sanguinea orange. But first I wanted to ask the experts because I can always trust your answers and experience. So what do you think about watering my nepenthes with coffee just once, to give them a growth boost?


         thanks so much - Matt :]

Answer
Hi Matt,

We've tried coffee a few times in the past with only so-so results.  It's not going to hurt the plants as long as you don't get crazy with it.  Essentially what you are doing is using an organic fertilizer (a weak one).  Like all fertilization, however, it is no substitute for good growing conditions.  If your temperatures are off, or is light is inadequate, fertilizer is of no help.  If growing conditions are good however, the coffee could give them a boost.

Good Growing!

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

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