Question

Limp Sanguinea   Hi, my Nepenthes Sanguinea looks a bit limp and somewhat wilted, and I was wondering if you could shed some light on to potentially why?

I grow it in a west facing window (this time of year on a sunny day it certainly gets at least 4-5 hours of direct sun, probably more), it grows in a 2:1 mix of live sphagnum and perlite, and is watered with rainwater and kept permanently moist. I have recently (about 3 weeks ago) transplanted it into the aforementioned mix, the previous media consisting of pure live sphagnum moss.

Could transplant shock be to blame? The plant has had this appearance for a good while though, likely at least a year. In the last couple of days however, the upper leaves have seemed to adopt a more flaccid appearance, compared to what they were. I was also wondering if I am 'cooking it' slightly in the heat of the window with the amount of sun it gets, or is it too warm at night, is there too low humidity?

Strangely though, I also grow two DeRoose Alatas in the same location and give them the same care and repotted them at the same time as the Sanguinea into the same mix, and both of these look absolutely fine with no signs of stress.

Despite this the Sanguinea has pitchered well, one of them measuring 8 inches long. There is, though, very scant amounts of fluid in all pitchers, if this is a helpful piece on information. I have attached a picture to hopefully demonstrate the issue.

Regards,
Chris.

Answer
Hi Chris,

Transplanting Nepenthes can definitely shock them some, and it's common to have them stop pitchering after a transplant for a time.  You could also get some water stress from transplanting too since a small amount of damage does occur to the roots.

Having said that, however, your plant looks really good, and it may just be a normal appearance for this plant.  It could be that this particular sanguinea clone likes it a bit more humid, and under those conditions it would be more rigid, but rarely will they pitcher like that if the plant isn't healthy.  You did mention that the window gets pretty warm, so you might also just be seeing the normal humidity fluctuations, and this plant responds more to it than others.  We definitely see some minor leaf curl on plants in the greenhouse on hot days, like we are having today.

The bottom line is I don't think you need to be concerned.  Since you said there is very little water in pitchers, go ahead and put a little more in the pitchers.  It won't harm them, and they do certainly get some rain in pitchers in nature.  It will give the plant a little spare water.

Good Growing!

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