Holland peat for VFT... Is it ok?

[zul77]

Hi;

I'm new here and just started to sow some VFT seed that I bought from eBay. It's already been 3 weeks since I sowed them.

I use a type of peat called Holland peat by a local seller. I don't get any idea what it is and is it suitable for sowing VFT. Anyone here use the same peat before (I mean the Holland peat)?

I think my first 25 seeds are going to fail because I forgot to stratify them in the fridge. Now I'm waiting for another 10 seeds from another online seller (maybe will arrive in 2/3 more days). So I need to be well prepared this time.

By the way, anyone know any seller locally sell the VFT plant instead its seeds? Please let me know.

(I'm sorry if these questions was already asked before).

[TS]

Hi Zul, welcome to the forum.
VFT seeds don't need any cool stratification, they will germinate from as fast as a week to three weeks depending on how fresh the seeds are, they lose their viability quite fast. Plants grown from seeds will take about 2 - 3 years to reach maturity. And you have to be very careful because a heavy downpour will wash everything away when they are still small, do something to protect them from rain.
I'm not quite sure about the Holland peat, but you can take a look at the back of the packing, it usually explained what type of peat it is. Sphagnum peat is definitely suitable for CPs. Don't use anything stated jungle peat, this is peat decomposed from leaves, branches & etc. which is rich in minerals.
You can germinate VFTs with just water, get a transparent plastic cup with a cap, fill it with half cup of water (if tap water, leave it overnight before use), place it in where you would place this cup after you sow the seeds, you may need a bright spot without direct sun. After you have placed the cup, sprinkle the seeds in the water, they'll float on the surface, close the cap slowly, a small shake resulted in seeds stick to the wall of the cup.
Just wait.
You may transfer the plantlets when they have two or more leaves.

[zul77]

Thanks TS for the guide.... I think it's too late for me because the pots have been exposed to the heavy downpour recently... I'll make another attempt when I get new 10 seeds from another seller...

I hope I can find any nursery that sells Sphagnum peat here in Melaka. By the way anyone have try 'coco-peat' (coconut husk) for VFT?

[caseyhoo]

Originally Posted by zul77

Thanks TS for the guide.... I think it's too late for me because the pots have been exposed to the heavy downpour recently... I'll make another attempt when I get new 10 seeds from another seller...

I hope I can find any nursery that sells Sphagnum peat here in Melaka. By the way anyone have try 'coco-peat' (coconut husk) for VFT?

You can try it from ACE hardware shop. The brand that i use so far is called "Hotti". It is spagnum peat moss...

[zul77]

Thx caseyhoo... I'll drop by their branch in PJ on the way balik kampung during this school holiday.... I hope I don't get lost in KL/Selangor....

[TS]

Hi Zul, sorry to hear that your seeds had probably gone. The water methos is a very good way of germinating VFTs and sarraceia seeds. You could see from the plastic cup if the seeds already germinated. And it is free of any disturbance like pests, birds or even rain.
You know of any shop selling SM in PJ? Or there is also an ACE in Mid Valley Mega Mall.

[David]

Originally Posted by zul77

By the way, anyone know any seller locally sell the VFT plant instead its seeds? Please let me know.

Fauzi is selling them. You can check with him. He owns a Nepenthes nursery in KL, but he can post to you. Besides that I am sure other members might have extra to sell/exchange/give you. You can contact Fauzi at 019-2720043.

[zul77]

Thanks David... I'll contact him soon....