Many people who have seen our carnivorous plants at
Farmer’s Market often ask us, “How do you get our plants looking so good every summer?” Our secret? Yearly repotting. Repotting is very important to encourage new growth. It freshens
soil, aerates
roots and gives
plant more room to grow.
Freshening
soil is important because carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-free soil. Over time, nutrients from mineral and bacteria buildup in
soil slow down
growth of carnivorous plants. This is why it is important to replace
soil every year, or every two years at
very least.
Repotting also aerates
roots. Roots need oxygen for vigorous growth. Without it, plant growth will be very minimal. Over
year, soil becomes compacted, which decreases
amount of oxygen entering
soil. By repotting your plants, you loosen up
soil and give your plants
much need oxygen they need.
Finally, by repotting your plants into a larger pot, you give them more room to grow. This will increase
size of your rhizomes. It will also provide added protection during
winter months. Some of our carnivorous plants in our private collection are so large that they require 5-gallon pots!
Here are some of
ideal pot sizes for your carnivorous plants: * Venus Flytrap: 4 inches * Medium Sarracenia species: 4 to 5 inches * Large Sarracenia species: 5+ inches * Sundews: 4 inches * Asian Pitcher Plants: 5+ inches
With Sarracenia species, Venus Flytraps and taller varieties of sundews, make sure
pot is tall. We have found that these plants grow bigger in taller pots than in shorter ones.
The exceptions to
yearly repotting rule are
Australian Pitcher Plant and
Sun Pitcher Plant. Both of these plants do not respond well with root disturbances. Furthermore, there is evidence that
Australian Pitcher Plant has a symbiotic relationship with a soil fungus, so replacing its soil too frequently can harm
plant. All other types of carnivorous plants, however, can be repotted yearly.