I have a reciepe for carnivorous Pitcher plants It calls for..
2 parts long fibers spaghnum
1 part peat moss
1 part coconut bark
1 part orchird bark
1 part silica sand

I have eveything BUT the silica sand,,

I finally found some at a swimming pool supply store that is used in sand filters for pools,, Unless this is pure silica sand It cannot be used for this formula.. Other wise can I substitute perlite insead>>? can any one help me on this?? Would any one know if this silica sand is the same for plants???

Thanks!

Is this silica sand you need the same thing that you use to dry flowers?

I have done a lot of research last night and today I have found that silica sand is used for ...

Swimming pools filters

sandblasting

xxxfine for dried flowers

and organic soil additive

I spent 4 hours driving around looking for it
home depot USED to carry it here but not now Arrrrgh
I went to several organic gardening centers finally the last place I went suggested I call a pool supply store.. I DID
They told me they use the purest form of silica sand.. Their supplier only ships silica sand that has been washed with distilled water as hard water adds mineral and such to it,,
Swimming supply stores that carrry silica sand for sand filters can ONLY use PURE silica sand because after people add the chemical to their pool there may be a chemical reaction thus resulting in a potential law suit..I called 3 different pool supply stores and they all told me the same thing, ALso said I need to wear a mask when using it as it has a fine dust that is not good for the lungs
I'm 99.9% sure this is the silica sand I'm needing.. for my pitcher plant.. I have two plants and only one needs repotting Geeeez I guess I'll go ahead and buy it and try it and keep my fingers crossed!

I have the silica used for drying flowers.
I got it at Wal-Mart several years ago.

It's soo hard to find now days WEll here any way, because of the fine dust it has,, health hazard I can't find a small bag OH Noooooo,, I have to buy a 50lb bag WElll I guess I'll have it for while Huh??

How much do you need?
I might have enough, if it's the same kind you can use.

I only need 1 part ( per 1st post) I don't think the kind for dried flowers is exactly the same ALso I can use this same sand for my succulents and cactus.. Thanks for the offer tho

I also can use as an admendment in soil for particular areas in the yard this spring AND I'll give Jimmy some lbs of it for his pitcher and Succulents and cactus too Believe me I'll find use for it!

Just use play sand, home depot or Lowes will have it.

Happy new year!

Tom

Hi Tom! I already found the silica sand at a pool supply store I already used quite a bit with cactus soils and and gave some away and have stores some that was a lot of sand but it sure will last me a longtime!

I know this is kinda late, but for the future perlite can be used.

The sand is only to help drainage. I use builders sand in a similar mix which I sterilize by giving it 5 minutes in the microwave. Never lost a sarracenia yet. Perlite is actually for water retention I understand but that won't matter too much.

I prefer perlite as well. Mine are all in peat and perlite.

Tom