Question
n. truncata
My plant has developed small leaves with spots which are not normal. Can you tell me why this is happening and a possible cure?
AnswerBased on your photo, I suspect your plant has thrips, a very small pest that causes that type of leaf deformation. The critters are very tiny, and sometimes you need a magnifying glass to see them. Some varieties of Nepenthes are prone to them, and truncata is one of them.
Spray your plant with a systemic insecticide. You can use a topical insecticide. But because thrips are very small and can hide in small spaces, topical insecticides may not always reach them. This is why we recommend using a systemic. If you choose to use a topical insecticide, you will need to coat the leaves heavily and reapply every 10 days.
The leaf damage is permanent, but after spraying your plant, the new growth will look normal again. For information about using insecticides, watch our video podcast on the topic.
http://youtu.be/lbRCdJ8ZNF0
Good growing!
Jacob Farin