Optimal Plant Growth Guide
Carnivorous plants thrive in unique environments that require special attention to their soil composition. While our CarnivoreSoil™ is designed to meet the needs of most carnivorous species, subtle adjustments can help optimize growth for different types of plants. This guide will walk you through how to fine-tune your soil for the most common species, ensuring that your plants receive the ideal balance of moisture, drainage, and air circulation.
From Venus Flytraps to Pitcher Plants and Sundews, we’ve compiled a list of easy amendments and adjustments to help your plants thrive. Whether you need to increase moisture retention, enhance drainage, or slightly alter the acidity, these amendment notes will give you the tools to customize CarnivoreSoil™ for your plant's exact needs.
No Adjustment
Venus Flytrap Dionaea muscipula
Sundews: Drosera capensis, Drosera spatulata, Drosera rotundifolia
Pitcher Plants: Sarracenia purpurea, Sarracenia flava, Darlingtonia californica
Minor Adjustment
Butterworts: Pinguicula vulgaris, Pinguicula moranensis
Adjustment: Add a small amount of sand or fine pumice for better drainage, as butterworts can be sensitive to too much moisture around their roots. A bit of additional aeration helps them thrive.
Bladderworts: Utricularia sandersonii, Utricularia subulata
Adjustment: Add sphagnum moss and increase peat for more water retention.
South American Pitcher Plants: Heliamphora species
Adjustment: For drainage increase silica by 20%. Add sphagnum on top to help maintain humidity.
More Adjustment
Australian Pitcher Plant Cephalotus follicularis
Adjustment: Increase drainage by adding perlite. Add some fine orchid bark or pumice to improve aeration while maintaining moisture retention in the top layer.
Cobra Lily Darlingtonia californica (in very hot climates)
Adjustment: In hotter climates, this plant benefits from extra drainage and cooler root zones. Use larger-sized perlite (or even small gravel) to prevent the roots from overheating, as Darlingtonia is very sensitive to temperature changes at the root level.
Adjustment Notes:
For better moisture retention: Introduce live sphagnum as a top layer for species that thrive in bog-like conditions (Bladderworts, some Sundews).
For improved drainage: Increase perlite 20% for species like Cephalotus and Heliamphora that dislike being too wet.
For specific species that need additional aeration but not necessarily increased drainage (Butterworts), using fine pumice or fine orchid bark can help improve aeration while retaining moisture.