VFTs
CBREWER%6200%FCDSSA@hercules.nswses.navy.mil
Fri, 29 Sep 95 4:53:32 ÿþ
In reguards to VFT growing, I have found them to enjoy a lot of sand in
there soil. They grow great here in the southeastern part of Virginia from
spring until November, outdoors. I use a mixture of 50% peat and 50% sand. I
like to use sand that is a little larger then the normal play sand. You can
usually find this sand at a local pet shop that sells fish. I feel it gives
the root system more room to grow and allows some air to pass thru the soil.
I use a deep 5 inch plastic pot for my larger plants and the smaller ones, I
let grow in a plastic plant planter filled with other small CPs. This planter
has a couple of 10mm (approx) holes punched in the side, below the soil
level, to allow the rain water to drain out slowly. I place the 5 in pot in a
dish of rain water that is approx 1/2 inches deep. It does not hurt the plant
if the dish runs out of water during the day as long as the humidity outside
is above 60%. During this time of year (September on), I don't even use a
bottom dish. I just top water the plant every day or so and let nature do the
rest. VFT are not adquatic plants and will grow better if the soil is kept
damp, rather then very wet. As for the dorment side goes, when its time for
the plant to rest, I just take them into the garage and leave it on the
floor. A childs plastic play pool works great for putting your single pots
in during the winter. I use this pool to help keep any crawling things out
that may be looking for one last meal and to keep my wife from knocking over
the pots (oops, sorry honey). The pool also allows me to top water the plants
when necessary, to ensure that the soil remains damp, "NOT WET" and it helps
to keeps my garage floor dry. I check the soil for dampness every two weeks
or soand my garage never gets below 30 degrees during the winter nights and
the temperature will usually rise to about 40 degrees or so during the day. I
also have several windows in my garage door and on the side of my garage,
this allows some light in during the day. I also use this method for other
CPs that require a winters rest period with great success.
Charles Brewer
cbrewer@hercules.nswses.navy.mil