Carnivorous Plant Soil Mix

• 2 parts coco coir: coir-based, moisture-retentive base with low nutrient contribution; use only as part of a lean carnivorous setup.
• 1.5 parts vermiculite: holds water and helps keep the medium evenly moist; keep to the stated amount rather than making the mix heavy.
• A little coarse horticultural sand: gives weight and mineral texture; avoid fine sand that reduces pore space.
• 1 part sphagnum moss: brings moisture retention and a bog-type organic fraction.
• A little activated carbon: optional porous carbon additive; it does not replace low-mineral water, correct nutrients or cleanup.

To mix your own, follow the ratio above and avoid compost, fertiliser or extra nutrient-rich amendments unless adapting the medium for a specific species with known requirements.

• Water quality first: prepare rainwater, distilled water or reverse-osmosis water in advance.
• When to repot: repot when old medium has compacted, smells sour, no longer wets evenly or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
• Remove old medium: ease the plant from its pot and remove old substrate without tearing fine roots where possible.
• Rinse if needed: use low-mineral water to clear remaining particles from sensitive roots.
• Trim dead material: remove dry or decaying leaves and traps with clean scissors.
• Set the plant: keep crowns and rhizomes at the correct height for the species and avoid burying growth points.
• Aftercare: keep suitable bog species evenly moist and match light, dormancy and tray depth to the plant.

Sybotanica’s current published reference values for its Carnivorous Mix:

• pH: approximately 7.5; this is not an acidic bog-media specification
• EC: approximately 0.3, manufacturer method not stated in this copy
• NPK: approximately 39–1–39 mg/L measured; the mix is marketed without added fertiliser
• Organic matter: about 60%
• Dry matter: about 40%
• Water retention capacity: about 55%
• Structural stability: around 2–3 years, depending on use
• Bioactive: manufacturer lists no
• Water quality: use low-mineral water where required by the species
• Pet and child safety: Keep the material away from anyone who may ingest substrate ingredients.

Foliage Factory suitability warning: Venus flytraps, many Sarracenia and numerous Drosera normally require appropriately acidic, low-mineral substrate. Do not treat the manufacturer’s general carnivorous-plant marketing as proof that every species is suitable. Do not mix in conventional compost or fertiliser.