On Wed, 02 Jun 2004 06:50:45 GMT, "Apple" wrote:

Hi all,

I am planning on growing a venus fly trap. I've been doing some research,
and I understand I need to use canadian sphagnum peat moss for soil.

I also understand it needs to be constantly damp. I am wondering if I can
use soil moist granules to this end?
(http://www.soilmoist.com/soilhome.html) Would these be harmful to the fly
trap?

Also, I have read that silica sand should be about 25% of the soil.
Unfortunately I have been unable to find any around here. Is this an
absolute requirement, or can it be 100% peat moss? Or is there a substitute
that can be used?

Thanks for any info!



Venus Flytrap is native to S.Carolina--very similar climate to my
location. They like sun, damp peat moss with high humidity. Do not
tease the traps. Do not fertilize. I have not tried the granules,
but if you try it and it works well after some months, I'd appreciate
an update on your situation. One plus should be that this medium is
sterile. Use rain water or distilled water. You could purchase
regular "Play Sand." Swirl a cup of sand in a bucket of warm water,
allow this to settle 5 minutes, slowly pour off the water, and refill
the bucket this 2 more times and repeat--this procedure should remove
any harmful salts.