Question

Nepenthes boschiana gu  
Nepenthes   QUESTION: I got this plant in September and it was not looking as good as I would have wished. I put it in the window with my other Nepenthes (see pic) in a corner window, hanging with a Southern exposure as well as a Western. It just is not doing as well as the others. They all get rainwater, no fertilizers and all are in their original containers. This one does tend to stay a bit more moist than the others. Pitchers die before they even begin to develop and the leaves as you can see are very yellow. My humidity is generally between 60-70%. Perhaps it is a little too chilly in Southwestern Oregon for this species? Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Maire,

Sorry for taking awhile to get back to you.  This is been a really busy week.

What it looks like is that your plant is experiencing some root rot.  Most likely the media is staying too wet.  What you want to do is add a bunch more perlite to the sphagnum moss.  You'll need to take the plant out of the pot, mix in the perlite to the media, then replant.  

After that, keep the soil moist but not wet.  Get in the habit of feeling the soil.  Wait until the moss starts to feel a little dry before watering.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's not uncommon for a plant to already be too far gone once the leaf decline begins.  When you take the plant out of the pot you'll get an idea how bad it is by the condition of the roots.  If it looks like it still has some good roots, you'll just have to give it time.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com

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QUESTION: Bad news Jeff, but thank you !  If the roots are gone, do you think it would be possible to take a cutting? I just HATE to lose a plant!  This really shows the importance of the right soil mix!

Answer
Hi Maire,

You can.  You'll need to keep the cutting in high humidity and bright light, but no direct sun.  It may be a bit difficult if the plant has little stem.  Sometimes the root rot goes up the cambium in the stem.  That's partly why you see the brown/yellow streaks in the leaves.  We have full details on taking cuttings in our volume #3 DVD.  http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com/Grow-Carnivorous-Plants-DVD-3-p/01113.htm

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com