FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I had read that vermiculite is a sterile medium. I see some germination but definitely see some errant moss that I was hoping to avoid but overall I'm pleased with trying this method

I've used vermiculite to start regia seeds and found it to give very good results.

Its OK for a short (couple of years) term but it does break down and release nutrients as below, so unless you keep it well flushed you can get some nutrient build up.

Vermiculite– very light, greyish puffy substance that forms when mica chips are heated. Vermiculite contains some potassium, magnesium and calcium that will slowly become available. It is used to increase moisture and nutrient retention in mixes.

That is an extract from University of Connecticut COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES - their Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory

Cheers
Steve

And magnesium and calcium are two of the worst minerals for carnivorous plants.

steve booth wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:43 pm Its OK for a short (couple of years) term but it does break down and release nutrients as below, so unless you keep it well flushed you can get some nutrient build up.

Vermiculite– very light, greyish puffy substance that forms when mica chips are heated. Vermiculite contains some potassium, magnesium and calcium that will slowly become available. It is used to increase moisture and nutrient retention in mixes.

That is an extract from University of Connecticut COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES - their Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory

Cheers
Steve

I'm only using it to germinate seeds . Not as a long term growing medium. When they are big enough to be transplanted they will go into my preferred medium thanks for your input