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I was considering re-potting a few of my Highland Nepenthes and I am also receiving a few more in the mail over the next week which will need to go into pots (also highland). I have quite a bit of New Zealand Sphagnum (zoo med brand)and mesh pots from and old pond (i will clean them), so I was considering 100% NZS and mesh pots to get better air circulation for the roots since NZS tends to retain a tremendous amount of water. Is this a dumb idea? If not will it serve any increased benefit to the plants compared to what I am already doing?
Soil: 1/3 Orchid Bark, 1/3 Perlite, 1/3 NZ Sphagnum topped of with NZ Sphagnum in typical solid green pots.
Lighting: 4ft 4Bulb T-5HO with 2 6500k and 2 3000k, on 14 hours, 20 inches from the top of the plant
Humidity: 70-73%
Temp: Day 73-75 / Night 61-57
Watering: Keep the soil moist not wet and humidity controlled humidifier mists multiple times a day with distilled water.
Grown inside a "grow tent" 72x48x48 with complete air exchange every 3-4 minutes.
Hi James,
Many growers do use just straight sphagnum moss for their Nepenthes. It works great for awhile, but eventually it does start to break down. The course ingredients help to maintain a certain amount of air space in the media, and drainage. I would recommend keeping some of those in the mix. The net pots are fine, but since they are more open, you could cut down the amount of perlite and bark in the mix, or just leave out the perlite since it's the messiest ingredient. Sphagnum moss with some orchid bark works well. If you can find it coconut chips (not coir) work really well with sphagnum. We used to use them in all our mixes, but only a few places sell them.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
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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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