Questions on sarracenia and

[Lumpy]

I recently purchased 3 pitcher plants. A Nepenthes rafflesiana, a Sarracenia "Dana's Delight", and a Sarracenia "Scarlet Belle". When they arrived (from shipment I assume), they didn't have any liquid in thier traps. Do they produce their own, or should I add a little distilled water to them? Also, a few of the mature traps were brownish and dried out. Is that part of the change of humidity? I don't see and critters in the pot or on the plants.

Thanks!

Greg

 

[technoracer]

greg,
people usually dump out any fluid that is in the pitchers before shipment. you can put a little distilled water in them (i usually do), but they should produce their own fluid in time. just remember that nepenthes sometimes take a long time to recover from shipping shock and settle into their new environment.

peace,
technoracer

 

[Lumpy]

Ok, I'll add a little water to them, since it won't hurt them. Thanks!

 

[sarracenia]

As far as the Sarracenias, those two don't need any water in their pitchers.

 

[Lumpy]

K, I didn't add water to the Sarrs.  On a side note, I'm still trying to figure out what level of moisture should be in the soil.  If you press on the soil, should you see water?  I know you're supposed to let many of these plants sit in a tray of 1/4" to 1/2" of distilled water, but to me, the plants seem too wet.  What's the trick?

 

[sarracenia]

Most Sarr's can tolerate somewhat dry conditions. And too wet can be a problem for most as well. It's hard to say what a good rule of thumb is. Here's what I do and have had excellent results. If I have a six inch (in width) pot, I'll keep it in an 8" saucer that is around 1.5" deep. I'll water the plant through the pot until the saucer starts overflowing. Then I won't water again until the saucer's been bone dry for a day or two.

 

[Lumpy]

Ok, I'll try that. These are the first Sarrs I've had, and I want to start them off right. I have a couple of VFTs as well, one of which I just can't seem to get growing. I believe it has to do with the moisture, but I've cut back and still see poor results. Since I'm new to these kind of plants, I need all the advice I can get! Thanks for your help!