Correct Potting for a Mixed Carnivorous Plant Collection: Pot Size, Light Transition, and Species Separation

Mixed collection

Pot Choice: Good

5" green plastic pots (6" for upsize) — perfect. Cheap, durable, drain well.

Species-Specific Placement

• Full sun (outdoors after acclimation): Venus Flytrap (typical), S. purpurea, temperate sundews.
• Bright windowsill (SE window OK): Butterwort, Nepenthes (likely sanguinea, ventrata, or alata — too young to ID).

Critical: Light Acclimation (2–3 Weeks)

Plants from terrarium/low light must transition gradually:

1. Week 1: Bright window
2. Week 2: Outdoor shade (tree/wall)
3. Week 3: Partial sun
4. Week 4: Full sun

Expect some burn on old leaves — trim them. New growth will be sun-hardened.

Watering Differences

• Tray method (constant water): Flytrap, Sarracenia, temperate sundews.
• Moist but drained: Butterwort, Nepenthes — water when surface slightly dry, minimal tray water.

Humidity Adaptation

Slow transition (weeks) from high terrarium humidity to ambient prevents shock. All these species tolerate low humidity if acclimated gradually.

Sundew ID Note

Both look like round-leaf temperates — possibly D. intermedia and D. rotundifolia. Hard to ID with dying leaves. Give them the same acclimation; they may recover.

Pot Material

Ceramic/clay works but plastic is cheaper, lighter, and inert. No leaching concerns with quality plastic.