Fertilizing Carnivorous Plants: Miracle-Gro Orchid Food Guidelines

Kendall wants to fertilize D. capensis, P. 'Tehuacan', and seedling Sarracenia with Miracle-Gro Orchid Food liquid. Asks dosage, application method, and soil contact safety.

Expert Instructions

Jeff Dallas: Mix ¼ tsp per gallon water. Spray leaves only, avoid soil. Technique: hold pot sideways, spray until dripping, stop. Do every 2 weeks.

Critical Caveats

• Fertilizer only helps when all other conditions (light, water, etc.) are optimal. Example: winter low light + fertilizer = death because plant can't use it.
• Foliar feeding works best on actively growing plants lacking prey.
• Never fertilize dormant plants.

Follow-Up: Miracle-Gro Safety

Miracid (Miracle-Gro) used for years on acid-loving CPs. Orchid formula for epiphytes works fine. How you use it matters far more than brand. "When in doubt, don't." Volume 2 DVD has chapter with demos.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com