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Originally Posted by elgecko
I grow many different CPs.
A big problem is people water them with tap water. The heavy metals and other chemicals will kill CPs. You must use pure water such as RO, distilled, or rain water.
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I am looking to keep these in my paludarium also. Luckily because there are many CPs indigious to my area, there are many people that keep and propagate them. Very strict laws protecting wild CPs here also. I was speaking with a gentleman who propagates them and he said there are three things that kill VFT in the care of inexperienced hobbyists.
Overwatering. He said to soak them, then mist daily until the peat starts to get on the moist/dry side and then soak again and mist and keep the cycle going. They will die if they are soaked all the time. He also warned about watering them with regular tap or well water because of the build up of heavy metals. He said to stay clear of using the water from your tank as most people have fertilizer in the water and it is enough to kill them over time. He also suggested RO water for watering and misting.
Over feeding. He said VFT are rather good at photosynthesis and the feeding is always a thrilling novelty for the new keepers but not necessary, they need be given meat once in a while.
Under lighting conditions. People will try and keep them in a lighting situation that does not allow them to perform photosynethesis at the level they need it.
Anyhow that was the extent of our conversation two days ago. Also remember that these are plants that have a dormancy period in the middle of winter. Some people that keep them in ideal conditions will cut back the hours of light they recieve to bring about thier dormancy and then move them to a cool area for a month.