A grower's year-old Nepenthes (likely ventricosa) from Lowe's has black lower stems, grown in sphagnum moss with occasional tap water. Asks if Superthrive is needed at repotting and if perlite-only mix works.
Sphagnum has broken down to mush – repot immediately. Use more mineral mix (perlite, pumice, vermiculite) if tap water is used, as organics decompose faster in hard water. Black stems are normal aging. Superthrive helps with transplant shock but isn't required.
Perlite alone holds no water. Need a water-holding component. See "Grow Carnivorous Plants" Vol. 3 DVD for details.
Native to Florida panhandle – handles heat fine. Provide dappled shade; they grow among grasses.
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