Q/A #84 - Can I Use Perlite Infused with Fertilizer?

QUESTION:
My wife came home with perlite infused with Miracle-Gro. Is it safe to use for my Venus fly traps?
(Submitted in May 2019.)

RESPONSE BY JEFF DALLAS:
No. What you can do, however, is take that perlite and rinse it several times in a bucket. The fertilizer is water soluble and will dissolve out. Pitcher plants are fairly tolerant of some fertilizer in the soil, but sundews and Venus Flytraps are not. If you rinse well, however, it should be safe to use. Otherwise, use it in your garden and get another bag of perlite. Make sure the read the ingredient list. If it doesn't say 100% perlite, avoid it. Try Amazon if you can't find bags of nutrient-free perlite. You can also purchase growing media on our website.

• 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.