Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 8/8/2011

Question
Hey guys,
I mixed some of my own soil today - 2 parts pumice, 2 parts orchid bark, 1 part peet moss - to replant a few plants. Well, as I was checking out my sundews, I noticed a foul smell coming from the soil. I figured this may be the beginning of root rot, so I promptly took them out of the soil, soaked the roots in some water diluted with SuperThrive and repotted them. I'm just wondering if this was necessary or does sundew soil typically smell because its soaking all the time? Also, is it ok to plant sundews in this mix of soil?

Thanks,
Mat

Answer
Hi Mat,

During the summer the sulfur smell from peat mixes is very common.  It happens more during very hot weather from peat moss break-down.  Top watering pots to give more oxygenation helps this some.  Usually it's not a problem unless pots have been in deep water for a long time, and the peat moss is totally decomposing.  You can see this from a light color change, and a very foul odor.  Time to transplant in that situation.

That soil mix is closer to Nepenthes media, but it will work for sundews.  It won't hold as much water, so just be cautious if your water trays are dry for a day or so.

Good Growing!

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