Q/A #45 - Are Copper Trays Safe to Use?

QUESTION:
I have a Nepenthes, several tropical sundews, and a couple of Venus flytraps. Wondering if it’s okay to use pure copper drip trays with these plants?
(Submitted in February 2023.)

RESPONSE BY JEFF DALLAS:
If these are trays where the plants can absorb water back into the pot, then no, I wouldn't use those. Copper is toxic to all plants, and carnivorous plants tend to be a bit more sensitive to stuff like that. You can, however, use a clear plastic tray, maybe acrylic, for the plants to sit in and then set the plastic tray on the copper tray. That way you can enjoy the aesthetics of the copper tray without killing the plants. 

• The original question and response have been edited for publication.
• With a database of thousands of questions, we will post a Q&A every few days or so.
• To search for similar posts, click on a hashtag below or use the site's search function.
• To submit a carnivorous plant question, visit Ask the Growers.