Many people who have seen our carnivorous
plants at the Farmer’s Market often ask us, “How
do you get our plants looking so good every summer?”
Our secret? Yearly repotting. Repotting is very important
to encourage new growth. It freshens the soil, aerates the
roots and gives the plant more room to grow.
Freshening the soil is important because carnivorous
plants grow in nutrient-free soil. Over time, nutrients
from mineral and bacteria buildup in the soil slow down
the growth of carnivorous plants. This is why it is
important to replace the soil every year, or every two
years at the very least.
Repotting also aerates the roots. Roots need oxygen for
vigorous growth. Without it, plant growth will be very
minimal. Over the year, soil becomes compacted, which
decreases the amount of oxygen entering the soil. By
repotting your plants, you loosen up the soil and give
your plants the much need oxygen they need.
Finally, by repotting your plants into a larger pot, you
give them more room to grow. This will increase the size
of your rhizomes. It will also provide added protection
during the winter months. Some of our carnivorous plants
in our private collection are so large that they require
5-gallon pots!
Here are some of the ideal pot sizes for your carnivorous
plants:
* Venus
Flytrap: 4 inches
* Medium Sarracenia species: 4 to 5 inches
* Large Sarracenia species: 5+ inches
* Sundews: 4 inches
* Asian Pitcher Plants: 5+ inches
With Sarracenia species, Venus Flytraps and taller
varieties of sundews, make sure the pot is tall. We have
found that these plants grow bigger in taller pots than in
shorter ones.
The exceptions to the yearly repotting rule are the
Australian Pitcher Plant and the Sun Pitcher Plant. Both
of these plants do not respond well with root
disturbances. Furthermore, there is evidence that the
Australian Pitcher Plant has a symbiotic relationship with
a soil fungus, so replacing its soil too frequently can
harm the plant. All other types of carnivorous plants,
however, can be repotted yearly.
The best time to repot your plants is right before they
emerge from dormancy, which would be March through April.
You can also repot your plants at other times of the year
as long as you minimize disturbance to their roots.
As for soil, use a standard mix of 1 part peat moss and 1
part perlite. The peat moss retains moisture and adds
acidity, while the perlite provides aeration and drainage.
Because carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-poor soil,
avoid using regular potting soil, fertilizer and compost.
These items are toxic to carnivorous plants and will burn
their roots. Very painful.
As you repot your plants, clip off any dried leaves from
the previous year. I generally clip off all leaves that
have brown spots on them. Sometimes this means clipping
off all the leaves on the plant, which is often the case
with taller Sarracenia species.
With Yellow Trumpet and Green Pitcher Plants, clip off
their non-carnivorous winter leaves after new growth has
been established.
So, set aside some time in March and April to repot your
carnivorous plants. You will be greatly rewarded with
vigorously growing plants this summer.
If you need growing instructions for specific species,
such as Venus Flytraps, visit Sarracenia
Northwest at http://www.cobraplant.com.
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