Emergency Nepenthes Repotting: Fertilized Orchid Bark, Charcoal Substitute, and Perlite Washing

A grower accidentally mixed fertilized orchid bark with sphagnum moss for Nepenthes repotting. They washed roots, soaked plants in distilled water, but could only find fertilized perlite locally. They substituted crushed charcoal (100% pure, washed) for perlite. The expert approves charcoal as a perlite alternative – coarse, keeps soil fresh. Also notes fertilized perlite (likely Miracle-Gro) can be used if thoroughly washed – fertilizer leaches quickly. Nepenthes tolerate low fertilizer better than flytraps/sundews. Suggests checking independent nurseries for unfertilized amendments (Whitney Farms, Black Gold).