Growing Tips for Bog Plants

Bog Plants - Companions to Carnivorous Plants

Soil: 1:1 peat:sand.
Container: 6+" plastic pot.
Watering: moist to well drained.
Light: full to part sun.
Temperature: warm summer, cool winter-tolerates frost.
Humidity: medium.
Location: outdoors, greenhouse.
Dormancy: yes.

Habitat
    Bog Plants naturally grow in and among carnivorous plant in peaty wetlands. They typically prefer open and sunny wetland habitats where the peat/sand soil is consistently damp. Most species grow across multiple hardiness zones from Zones 3 to 9 making them adaptable from deep winter freezes to milder temperate winters. They frequently grow in association with sphagnum moss and make excellent companions for the bog garden.
Culture
    Bog Plants grow in the same conditions as carnivorous plants.  They typically prefer consistently damp, peaty sandy soil and full to partial sun.  Grow Bog Plants as you would Flytraps or Pitcher Plants. The standard CP soil mix of peat and sand works well. Bog Plants typically tolerate tight spaces, but prefer a wider large pot of 6-8+” (15-20cm).  Most do best when the soil is evenly moist, but not soaking wet.  They can tolerate very wet, even submerged conditions, for weeks at a time.  Let the soil become drier; yet remain somewhat moist, during winter dormancy.  Water from below with mineral-free water.  The tray method works very well.  Stand the pot in a tray or saucer and keep about 1” (2.5cm) of water in it at all times during the growing season.  Bog Plants prefer full sun, growing in and among grasses and carnivorous plants. Provide a winter mulch of 4-6" of weed free hay or pine needles. Best flowering occurs in mature, undisturbed plants.
Propagation
    Bog Plants are typically propagated from divisions and seeds. Some need stratification (cool, damp winter).  Tissue Culture works well for clones.
Dormancy
    A winter rest period is required of mature plants.  As day length and temperature diminish the plant will slow its growth and die back, starting at the tops. Cut back on winter watering, but allow the soil to stay moist.  Provide cooler temperatures during dormancy.  A cold porch or garage may work well.
Feeding
    Bog Plants do not need fertilization. They can, however, benefit from low doses of commercial orchid fertilizers.
Other Considerations 
    Remove the flower spike after flowering. The development and setting of seeds requires a lot of energy. Strong plants will result, if this energy goes into leaves and roots.
    Many Bog Plants are best grown outdoors, and are not good house or terrarium plants.
    Repot every few years in a fresh CP soil mix, since the peat breaks down and can create poor drainage.
    Repotting is best done in the Fall or very early Spring, before active growth begins. A soil top dressing of living Sphagnum Moss works well.