Nepenthes, and the Quest for the Perfect Soil

[Marigoldsfail21]

(I type too much, so skip to the second paragraph, because that's the point of this thread)

Recently, I had enough time to observe my nepenthes a bit more closely than I usually do. I ended up sifting through the soil mixture to check on how healthy the roots of the plants were, to see in general how my nepenthes were liking their conditions. All my nepenthes are in a 3:1 mix of coconut husk and sphagnum moss, and origionaly I thought that this mix drained really well. The soil mix in the pots, however, breaks down pretty fast; lower down in the soil, particles built up and held water like pure peat moss. Higher up in the soil, it would dry out faster, because most of the large peices of the soil remained in that area. The sphagnum on the surface of the mix turned black, and broke down very quickly(maybe from wetting and drying out so frequently), and looks like it caused even more particles to go to the bottom and reduce drainage. I also remember there being alot of salt build up in the lower areas of the mix. So, the majority of my nepenthes have poor root systems.


If anyone would be nice enough to share their Nepenthes secret soil mixes, go ahead! I remember some threads about burnt earth,how is that working for growers using it?


Also, does anyone know if there is a difference between horticultural charcoal and charcoal for water filter. (also called activated carbon, I think)