Correct Soil for Pitcher Plants: Peat and Perlite, Not Sphagnum

Many beginners use pure peat and sphagnum moss, but this holds too much water and lacks aeration, causing root rot. The standard mix is equal parts peat moss and perlite. This provides moisture retention with critical air spaces.

Repot your rescued plant immediately into the correct mix. Emergence from dormancy varies by climate, but expect a mature pitcher by June. Warmer regions see growth sooner.

Read the Sarracenia and Venus flytrap care sheets at cobraplant.com/caresheets for complete soil, water, and light requirements.