Terrarium + Mineral Soil = Dead Flytraps & Stressed Nepenthes

Flytraps in terrarium with 10:1 peat:mineral soil, new traps blackening in days? Three fatal errors.

1. Terrariums kill flytraps: Stagnant air → mold, weak growth, heat buildup, bacterial rot, no drainage → TDS accumulation.
2. Mineral soil burns roots: CPs need zero-nutrient media. Added minerals = rapid death.
3. Morning sun ≠ full sun: Flytraps need 6+ hrs direct.

Emergency Rescue

1. Remove from terrarium. Wash roots in pure water.
2. Repot in 4–5" pots, 1:1 unfertilized peat:perlite, drainage holes.
3. Humidity wean: lid cracked → wider every 3 days → off in 2 weeks.
4. Light acclimation: south window 1 wk → morning sun 1 wk → full sun.
5. Tray water (¼ pot), pure water only.

Nepenthes ventricosa

• Soil: 1:1:1 peat:perlite:orchid bark (or 1:2 peat:orchid bark). No compost/fertilizer.
• Water: frequent, light, no standing water (tray dry between).
• Light: partial sun (E/S window) or 12–18k lumens fluorescent.
• Yellowing base leaves = normal aging. Black from top down = root rot.
• Repot: gentle, support vine, don't overpack.

It may be too late for the flytraps—blackening new growth in days is a terminal sign. But the Nepenthes can recover.