Carnivorous Plants Growing Well In Coir

"After several years of growing Sarracenia in coir the anecdotal evidence is looking good!" says Tim Bailey, Chairman and Publications Editor for the Carnivorous Plant Society.

"Whilst experimental design to collect good quality data may be lacking to change hearts and mind, there is good reason to be hopeful suitable and cost effective alternatives to extracted peat can be found".

The Carnivorous Plant Society share public concern about the effects of global peat extraction on wildlife habitats and the need to protect peat bog habitats, and are currently looking into ways of providing robust evidence and guidance on alternative composts for carnivorous plants.

The plants pictured below have been largely grown in a mixture of 3 parts 'organic' Soil Association Certified coir to one part perlite. A few exception are a few Brooks Hybrids, pictured, which have been grown in a mix of Moorland Gold and coir. Moorland Gold is fine-peat which has been filtered from water arising from blanket bogs which would otherwise enter and build up in a water supply reservoir if not removed.

Plants grown in sustainable and peat-free compost - on display at NEC Gardeners' World 2012

Majority of plants grown in 3 parts coir to 1 part perlite

Brooks Hybrid - time to lower the benches!