After lurking on this list for a year or more, I thought I might
introduce myself before asking a bunch of questions.
My name is Kathleen Heldreth. I am a confessed plant addict. I
have a BS in plant science from U of Delaware, and I am currently
working on the MS degree via the 'span plan', (one course at a time). I
am employed as a biologist, (botanist), by the DuPont company. There, I
do non-target terrestrial plant tests, under EPA's FIFRA subdivision J
guidelines, using DuPont's herbicides. Outside of work, my plant
interests include native plants, perennials, vegetable gardening,
houseplants galore, including succulents, orchids (mostly Phals and
Paphs), and begonias. I have always had an interest in carnivorous
plants, but never tried to grow anything but VFT. I have had mixed
results with VFT's over the years, losing many of them during dormancy.
But, I think I've got it now. I'm ready to try some other cp species.
I have some questions about the appropriate peat moss to use as a
growing media for CP's. There are tons of peat products and grades available
from the local nurseries. Will you help me sort them out?
Adrian Slack wrote "The only peat suitable is granulated moss
peat...Other types of peat are not suitable, especially sedge peat..." I have
never heard anyone say MOSS PEAT, (does that have any significance, i.e., from
spaghnum moss rather than sedge?). I've never heard of GRANULATED peat
either. Does this mean long fibre, or what? The local nurserymen are as
stumped as I am over what Adrian Slack meant.
I remember reading some threads on this list long ago that indicated
"don't use HYPONEX brand peat moss", but I can't recall why. Was this an
alkaline material or had some additives that were harmful to CP's?
What brands and/or grades of peat do you have success with?
I'd love to talk to some local CPer's, i.e. Delmarva penninsula
area, about cultivation, sources, societies, etc. I'd also like to say
'HI' to Tom H! (you haven't heard the last of me yet.)
Kathleen Heldreth
Newark, Delaware (Hazy, Hot and Humid)