All the perlite I see is from big box stores from miracle grow. Can I replace with pumice?

Yes you can. Look in the small mom & pop garden centers for other perlite brands such as Esphoma or Hoffman's.

Since what you have are both most likely Mexican pings (Pirouette is, but the odds are your "red" one is too), you can also use a completely inorganic medi like Turface.

can't use turface, nowhere to be found in NYC and no mail order as well. Amazon is way too expensive for it.

Nonsense! Although this supplier does have a notice that they are out until spring, it's still a mail or order option:

http://www.orchidmix.com/cat2.htm

For other sources that would likely be much closer to home:

1) Go to the Turface website, and type in your state. (Btw, you want the MVP product.)

2) Check with John Deere dealers or Landscape companies, they might carry it.

3) People/companies which maintain/service baseball fields may use and so might be able to direct you.

4) As a substitute, get NAPA oil dry part #8822

Note: The product should be sifted and rinsed before use. The rinse will remove the dust that will otherwise form sludge. The sifting to remove the really small/fine granules.

Thanks but just going to stick with non-fertilized peat moss and pumice.

Nothing wrong with that! Just wanted you to be aware of your options.

So my ping is turning brown on the edges, is it dying? But seems like it's going to flower and has new growth. Just concerned about the browning edges. Anyone have an idea?

soil is in organic peat and pumice, no fertilizers and watered with either rain water or distilled water.

Looks way too dry. Are you keeping water in the tray?

Can anyone ID this ping?

Hard to say which is it. Usually a flower will tell.

I just got a gigantea and it came in straight zeolite so I left it as is. I have the planter (with drainage hole) sitting on a tray of distilled water. Is that cool or will that cause root rot? so obsessed with butterworts!!!

I never sit mine in water except to water it for a brief period. Once the top soil is wet I take it out. Some people leave it in a few Cm of water then let it dry for a day or two and repeat.

hmmm ok, i will see but the roots are super short and i have a lot of zeolite in the planter so it's technically not really sitting on top of water.

The water will wick up to the top.

So even if I have pebbles on the tray it's still no good?

If the POT is sitting IN water the water will wick up.

I'll keep one butterwort in a tray of water and another without. Will see what the difference is. Thank you.