Hello!
I'm planning to try a VFT soon. I've never grown CPs, but I live less than 100 miles inland (Charlotte) from the VFT's natural habitat so I think I can easily keep it outside - probably even through winter if I want. We have the same winter temperatures as Wilmington. Lucky, eh?
I've been doing my homework, but have a few questions I haven't seen answers to:
1. I never see anyone mention pH. Is this because the plant should be in a peat/sphagnum + sand/perlite mix, so the pH will take care of itself and remain somewhat acid?
2. How much standing water do they need? Simply enough to cover the pot's drainage holes?
3. What is the maximum ppm a VFT can handle in its water? No, I am not considering tap water, but I see so many people mentioning the importance of using rain or purified water I wonder just how much mineral concentration the plants can tolerate.
4. Should one take care to change the plant's standing water frequently to avoid buildups of solids/pathogens/etc., or flush the growing medium? I know they are bog plants, but I figure stagnant rainwater might not be the same kind of nasty water they like in the swamp.
Are there special considerations for leaving the plants out in the open rain? Can they drown?
I'll stop now before more occur to my rambling mind.
Thanks, and don't hate me for living within driving distance of the Green Swamp!
I'm planning to try a VFT soon. I've never grown CPs, but I live less than 100 miles inland (Charlotte) from the VFT's natural habitat so I think I can easily keep it outside - probably even through winter if I want. We have the same winter temperatures as Wilmington. Lucky, eh?
I've been doing my homework, but have a few questions I haven't seen answers to:
1. I never see anyone mention pH. Is this because the plant should be in a peat/sphagnum + sand/perlite mix, so the pH will take care of itself and remain somewhat acid?
2. How much standing water do they need? Simply enough to cover the pot's drainage holes?
3. What is the maximum ppm a VFT can handle in its water? No, I am not considering tap water, but I see so many people mentioning the importance of using rain or purified water I wonder just how much mineral concentration the plants can tolerate.
4. Should one take care to change the plant's standing water frequently to avoid buildups of solids/pathogens/etc., or flush the growing medium? I know they are bog plants, but I figure stagnant rainwater might not be the same kind of nasty water they like in the swamp.
Are there special considerations for leaving the plants out in the open rain? Can they drown?
I'll stop now before more occur to my rambling mind.
Thanks, and don't hate me for living within driving distance of the Green Swamp!