I came across a web article that mentions S. oreophila is found in clay and mineral soils.
I have added a small amount of clay(several handfulls) to peat and 4 to 5 handfulls of vermiculite.
I also added several handfulls of Premium Orchid Mix to the soil. It is bark and charcol. I busted the charcol into smaller pieces with a hammer. Some fine dust is generated in the process. It goes in the mix as well. Hopefully, the bark will add drainage to the mix.
If you take several quarts of dry peat from a bale and add it to a bucket of water and squezze the water into it, the peat seperates into two types. This may take several hours to settle.
The layer that settles on the bottom is very fine and is dark brown. The layer that floats is a light brown color and more coarse in particle size.
The top layer drains very well. The bottom layer tends to become too compacted when used alone. When the soil dries, it tends to seperate from the pot. Different mixes may give results needed for a particular plant.
I am eager to use more clay and clay types, but am proceeding with caution as clay holds a great deal of water. I am adding the small amount stated now in hopes to enrich the minerals in the soil, as with the vermiculite.
I am searching for a better soil recipe for S. oreophila than is stated for the basic soil mix in CP books. I think modeling cultivation practices that more closely follow Nature should improve their survivalbility and growth rates.
Especially, since there is rumor that the next ICPS Sarracenia Distribution may include S. oreophila.
I welcome any comments, ideas, or criticism.
Tweek
I have added a small amount of clay(several handfulls) to peat and 4 to 5 handfulls of vermiculite.
I also added several handfulls of Premium Orchid Mix to the soil. It is bark and charcol. I busted the charcol into smaller pieces with a hammer. Some fine dust is generated in the process. It goes in the mix as well. Hopefully, the bark will add drainage to the mix.
If you take several quarts of dry peat from a bale and add it to a bucket of water and squezze the water into it, the peat seperates into two types. This may take several hours to settle.
The layer that settles on the bottom is very fine and is dark brown. The layer that floats is a light brown color and more coarse in particle size.
The top layer drains very well. The bottom layer tends to become too compacted when used alone. When the soil dries, it tends to seperate from the pot. Different mixes may give results needed for a particular plant.
I am eager to use more clay and clay types, but am proceeding with caution as clay holds a great deal of water. I am adding the small amount stated now in hopes to enrich the minerals in the soil, as with the vermiculite.
I am searching for a better soil recipe for S. oreophila than is stated for the basic soil mix in CP books. I think modeling cultivation practices that more closely follow Nature should improve their survivalbility and growth rates.
Especially, since there is rumor that the next ICPS Sarracenia Distribution may include S. oreophila.
I welcome any comments, ideas, or criticism.
Tweek