Quote:
Originally Posted by NepNut
K. Pop,
The mix I used for N. lowii x campanulata was coarse burnt clay + coarse river sand, which will be very well drained. Burnt clay is widely available in Malaysia but so far I have yet to see it to be sold in sounthern Thailand.
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Hi Rob,
Many thanks for reply. I am quite doubtful that this mixing type of clay sand release ‘trace element’ for Nepenthes sp. in acceptable level, not only enhance water drainage. Please forgive to my ignorance; I am lazy to search information through forum. I am sorry. Please advise me.
Few years ago, there is rumor among Thai grower to use one kind of gravel adding into potting mix. Unconfirmed source described that this type of stone improve growth for N. truncate. It is called ‘Silalang’. Although, it is later known that Fungicides do the trick better that this gravel, I can see thai Nep growers add it into their media for other neps also. Please see picture below. (We also put it on top of media, however, it helps a lot when storm coming, hahaha.)
I wonder that this type of gravel can release some trace elements into media or not? And is it hazard for Nepenthes in long term? Plant in my picture is N. medusa. It is already died though. I do not know how long you use that type of potting mix in your collection. And do you see any worse effect to Nep?
Thanks in advance for your opinion.
Cheers,
Pop