Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 09:24:18 EST From: Dionaea@aol.com To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg3807$foo@default> Subject: To fertilize or not to fertilize
To anyone interested:
I don't think fertilizers can replace insects. I think the fact that these
plants are insectivorous and in some cases carnivorous needs to be stressed.
There is a reason that these plants evolved in this way. How can we say that
nature does not know what is best for her, that our engineered chemicals are
better than nature's own concoctions?? I agree that certain plants that
become pale are deficient of some key nutrients, but I don't think the best
solution is to fertilize them (it is merely the most convenient).
I grow all my Nepenthes in 55 gallon tanks and the plants have little access
to insects. They sometimes become a bit pale. To remedy this I make a trip
to the nearest pet store and buy some crickets. The plants turn a dark green
within a few hours in some cases, but certainly by the time the next leaf
appears.
I have said it before, and no one seems to believe me, but the growth rate I
can achieve by feeding crickets (or fruit flies) to a Nepenthes is phenomenal.
Here is an example: Four years ago, I received a N. truncata that was only 2
inches in diameter, today I have pitchers on it that are 12 inches long. The
entire plant is 2 feet in diameter. I have had the same experience with N.
bicalcarata, and N. edwardsiana (a supposed "slow grower"). I seriously doubt
that people who solely fertilize their plants have achieved growth rates like
this!
I believe the same is true for Pinguicula. In my experience, plants that
have had sufficient insects, do best. Fertilizer is just a replacement for
something that we humans cannot adequately provide in an artificial
environment. I would guarantee that those people who grow their plants
outside with free access to insects have far more beautiful plants than anyone
feeding their plants chemicals. All I can point to is a dinner plate size P.
moranensis grown outside at the Botanical Garden in Zurich. It was covered
with dead insect bodies and not fed any fertilizer.
Just my 2 cents, and by the way I have been growing CPs for 15 years.
Christoph
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