Nepenthes and the Air-pot

On 2-3rd July 2011 visitors to the European Carnivorous Plant Exhibition and Exchange (EEE 2011) will see a display of hydroponic techniques used for growing carnivorous plants (cps).  The display will show a variety of fun ways to grow cps, but with a serious edge. Tim Bailey, who will be providing the display, on behalf of the Carnivorous Plant Society, says: "I've been dabbling with hydroponics for several years and my personal collection is about 95% peat-free. The only difference from conventional hydroponics is that I grow my plants without a nutrient solution - the plants take care of that themselves! Although I have yet to achieve monsters, the results compared to conventionally grown plants are similar, with some showing enhanced growth. To me this is a great result considering they are grown without a crumb of peat, the staple ingredient for most cp mediums. There have been one or two disappointments along the way but I've yet to kill a plant in the last 4 years, but for a single Darlingtonia californica. I've also had to rethink how I grow Dionaea muscipula (VFT) as results have been mixed. For example, I've enhanced the growth of one VFT by up to 50% using a deep water bubble system, compared to its parent control, but growing VFTs in flood and drain systems has been disappointing."

A recent introduction to hydroponics has been the Air-pot, described as the most advanced pot system in the universe. Quite a claim, and one Tim is keen to put to the test. The secret to the Air-pot is a revolutionary 3-D cone shaped wall which prevents root-circling and stimulates roots by 'air-pruning,' and in doing so provides superior oxygenation and better soil conditions for growth.  The most obvious application, according to Tim, is Nepenthes: "The pots are quite tall in relation to width and very sturdy. This is very handy, as Nepenthes can become top heavy and the tall pots help suspend aerial pitchers that hang from the end of tendrils." Tim will also be testing Sarracenia species, which he hopes to display at EEE 2011.

  Nepenthes growing in Air-pots

Members of the Carnivorous Plant Society will be updated on Tim's hydroponic trials in the 2010 Autumn edition of the Society's Journal and Newsletter. If you are not a member and would like to join, then visit the Society's website http://www.thecps.org.uk/. And why not take a closer look on 2-3 July 2011 at the EEE! The Society look forward to seeing you.

Want to know more about Air-pots - visit www.fdpwholesale.co.uk