Orchid Bark with Charcoal for Nepenthes: Acceptable If Amended with Sphagnum

A grower asks if orchid mix with charcoal is safe for Asian pitcher plants. Expert: charcoal is fine, but orchid mixes often lack water retention (bark, large perlite, charcoal only). For Nepenthes, add long-fiber sphagnum moss to hold moisture. Use orchid mix as base, supplement with sphagnum.