Plant Care Tips
Below you will find care instructions for many of the plants sold on this website. While optimal growing conditions may vary greatly by species, these general guidelines are a great starting point. If you have any questions about keeping your plants happy, don't hesitate to reach out.
Nepenthes Care
Nepenthes grow in tropical alpine regions and cloud forests across Southeast Asia. They are typically divided into three categories based on elevation: highland, intermediate, and lowland. Care for all three categories is largely similar except for the optimal temperature range.
Temperature
Highland
Daytime temperature: 70-78° F
Nighttime temperature: 50-60° F
Intermediate
Daytime temperature: 75-82° F
Nighttime temperatures: 60-68° F
Lowland
Daytime temperature: 80-95° F
Nighttime temperatures: 70-80° F
Light
Bright, indirect light will yield the best results. Generally avoid direct sunlight, particularly late afternoon sun, as this will burn the leaves and can even kill the plant in extreme cases.
Water
Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater. If your home tap water is less than approximately 75 tds you can use home tap water. However, it's rare to have such pure water. Most tap water in the U.S. contains excess minerals (200+ PPM) that will harm the plant over time.
Soil
I prefer a 2:1 ratio of sphagnum moss to coconut husk, perlite, or orchiata. Others have found success with akadama and even hydroponic systems. However, the simple mix described above is the best starting point. For lowland nepenthes, a more moisture-retaining mix such as pure sphagnum, peat, or coco coir works well.
Fertilization
I use a foliar spray of maxsea applied every couple of weeks. Additionally, I place nutricote pellets in every new pitcher that forms. Avoid standard house plant fertilizers, as these are too strong for nepenthes and may lead to plant death.
Ant Plant Care
Most ant plant species grow epiphytically on the branches or trunks of trees. Like nepenthes, some grow in lowland regions while others grow in cooler, highland climates. Unlike nepenthes, they like heavy fertilization and are a bit more adaptable to a wider range of temperatures.
Temperature
Varies by species as ant plants are found at both high and low altitudes. Most do well between 65-80° F. They are more adaptable than nepenthes and many can be easily grown at household temperatures.
Light
Very bright, indirect light is key to proper growth.
Water
Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater. If your home tap water is less than approximately 75 tds you can use home tap water. However, it's rare to have such pure water. Most tap water in the U.S. contains excess minerals (200+ PPM) that will harm the plant over time.
Soil
Ant plants generally require a very open mix. I use a chunky mix of coconut husk, coir, orchid bark, and a small amount of sphagnum. Avoid letting the caudex stay wet or it may rot.
Fertilization
A strong 20-20-20 orchid fertilizer is perfect for ant plants. You can water them with fertilizer every time you water as well as applying it via a foliar spray. If signs of yellowing appear on the leaves, you can supplement with chelated iron and magnesium spray.