Flytrap and Nepenthes Care: Light, Soil, and Acclimation

Hollywood, CA grower: VFTs (with volunteer sundews) and pitcher plant. Distilled/rain water. Low humidity, plentiful sun, 55–95°F. 2 months in: 95°F days crisped VFT traps in hours. Pitcher plant tendrils not forming new pitchers, old ones dying. Balcony = only direct sun spot.

Video link: https://youtu.be/zP_nSRa9M1s

Jacob Farin: Three key fixes:

1. Acclimation: VFTs tolerate full sun (nursery-grown in full sun). Crispy leaves = greenhouse-grown without acclimation (like no base tan at beach). New growth will be sun-adapted.
2. Soil: Video shows waterlogged soil (appears all peat). VFTs need airy mix: 1:1 peat:perlite. Sundews tolerate wet soil—separate them.
3. Sunlight: 6+ hrs direct sun needed. Floppy leaves = insufficient light. Tall pots + morning/evening top-watering keeps roots cool.

Repot VFTs in 1:1 peat:perlite (no fertilizer), separate Cape sundews, ensure 6+ hrs sun. Watch Vol. 1 DVD (desert growing segment). For Nepenthes: cut dead pitchers (end of life cycle), allow 6 months acclimation for new pitchers, hose down morning/evening if possible. Plant looks healthy (green, shiny, firm leaves).

Good Growing!

Jacob Farin