City Water for Sarracenia: Chlorine Minor, Minerals Major, TDS Testing Essential

Comprehensive Water Quality Guide for Carnivorous Plants

Virginia grower uses chlorinated city water (let sit days), recently told chlorine harmless. Asked about chlorine vs. minerals, water report interpretation.

Expert Analysis (Jeff Dallas)

Primary concern: mineral content (Ca, Mg, hardness). Chesterfield County TDS ~32 ppm—safe (<50 ppm). Chlorine dissipates; minor issue unless unusually strong.

Practical Testing

Buy ZeroWater pitcher (comes with TDS meter, only common filter removing minerals). Brita/PUR don't remove minerals. Good for small quantities. RO systems for larger needs.

Additional Critical Advice

• Always use drained containers. Undrained = root rot + mineral buildup.
• Ruthless spring trimming: Cut all brown, all S. rubra leaves, selective for purpurea/psittacina. Opens crowns to light/rain → better fungal control, new growth.
• Evidence: Nursery saw dramatic improvement when employee cut ALL leaves off 'Scarlet Belle' vs. selective trim.

Resource

Volume 1 DVD covers water, soil, seasonal care in detail.