Carnivorous plant to 30 °C to thrive. Carnivorous plants require appropriate nutrient-poor soil. Most appreciate a 3:1 mixture of "Sphagnum" peat to sharp horticultural sand (coir is an acceptable, and more ecofriendly substitute for peat). "Nepenthes" will grow in orchid compost or in pure "Sphagnum" moss. Carnivorous plants are themselves susceptible to infestation by parasites such as aphids or mealybugs. Although small infestations can be removed by hand, larger infestations necessitate use of an insecticide. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is effective as a topical insecticide, particularly on scale insects. Diazinon is an excellent systemic insecticide that is tolerated by most carnivorous plants.
Sphagnum cuspidatum branch leaves can sometimes be faintly serrated. "S. cuspidatum" is a dioecious species. The spores produced are 29-38 µm, covered with large papillae on both surfaces, and appear to be covered in small blisters (pusticulate). "S. cuspidatum" can be found on wet humus under forests and on the bases of trees forming a hummock-hollow complex; in or near bogs. Distinguishing "Sphagnum cuspidatum" from "Sphagnum viride" is sometimes difficult as both occur over a similar geographic range and both grow in wet carpets. "Sphagnum cuspidatum" has narrower branch leaves and usually a distinct red tinge at the branch bases within the