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Post by cpnewbie on Sept 11, 2008 17:10:41 GMT
So, I'm definitely green in the area of CPs. I just started to get into them. I've had a butterwort for about a year, wanted to make sure I didn't kill it before adding on. Now I have a tropical pitcher plant as well. Based on some readings, I decided to give them both some epiphytic fertilizer. I diluted it, but suspect I didn't dilute it enough. After less than 24 hours, the butterwort looks just about dead (still green but entirely limp and loose in the soil). The nep seems to be fairing a bit better, but he's also limpy. I feel SO bad for these guys, and just wonder if there's any hope, particularly with the butterwort. Or is it a lost cause? Shall I water them a lot or....? Anything? I value everyone's opinion and ask you to be kind as I am a total newbie! Bound to make mistakes that are obvious no-no's to everyone else probably.
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Post by ICPS-bob on Sept 11, 2008 20:05:12 GMT
I would flush the plants and soil with a lot of pure water. That may not save the plants, but it would not hurt to try. To quote the eminent Dr. Rice in his FAQ: "As a good rule, never fertilize. Most fertilizers will kill carnivorous plants." www.sarracenia.com/faq/faq3560.htmlA very light spray of very dilute epiphytic fertilizer is sometimes OK for many CPs, but it can occasionally be dangerous. Many Nepenthes growers fertilize their plants. Personally, I find that my plants grow just fine without any intervention other than repotting in fresh soil every year or two and watering with pure water.
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Post by cpnewbie on Sept 11, 2008 20:25:43 GMT
Thanks. And not to sound too stupid here, but by "flush" do you mean literally have the water run through for awhile (say by standing over a sink) or do you mean just keep watering it throughout the day and dumping the excess water? Sorry to be so specific!
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Post by peterhewitt on Sept 11, 2008 20:45:58 GMT
I think (and i am also somewhat new to this) that he probably means the former. flush the plants with as much water running out of drainage holes as you can without washing too much of the substrate away. but as the fertilizer burns the roots, you need too hope enough have survived for the plant to recover.
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Post by ICPS-bob on Sept 11, 2008 23:11:59 GMT
Correct. Simply pour water slowly into the pot and over the plant and let the excess water drain away. The purpose is to leach away the fertilizer. As I said, it may not save the plant if it is too damaged, but it is simply first aid to get rid of the fertilizer.
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Post by cpnewbie on Sept 12, 2008 19:12:09 GMT
Thanks guys! The pitcher plant looks very hopeful, springing back already. I'm just going to keep lovin the little ping and see if he can come back. I feel so bad. I learned my lesson!
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