Alkaline Soil for Pinguicula moranensis: Lime Is the Only Safe Option

Victor repotting his large P. moranensis (Mexican butterwort) read they prefer alkaline soil. His 1:1:1 peat/perlite/sand mix is acidic. Local stores only sell 40-lb lime bags—seeking alternatives for a single pot.

No Safe Substitutes

Jeff Dallas confirmed: dolomite lime (powdered, not prilled) is the only reliable way to raise pH for Mexican Pinguicula. The 40-lb bag is cheap but excessive for one pot. He linked a smaller online option and mentioned Sarracenia Northwest may start selling small quantities.

New Media Formula

They've switched to: 1 peat : 2 perlite : 1 silica sand + 1 tbsp dolomite lime per cup of soil. Results: "complete 180 turnaround" for Mexican pings, many growing better than ever—mimicking their native limestone habitats.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.growcarnivorousplants.com