Question

N. bicalcarata 'Sarawa   Jeff,

I recently purchased a couple of N. bicalcarata 'Sarawak Giant' nepenthes. They haven't acclimated to their new location yet and they are looking pretty bad. I know they need adequate time to adjust to a new environment but I think they may have endured too much stress during shipping. What can I do to maybe save them? I currently have them in a south facing window and I try to keep the humidity pretty high. Any ideas or suggestions?

Many thanks,

Derick

Answer
Hi Derick,

With these you will want to keep them in an enclosure of some kind until the plants are larger.  N. bicalcurata fits all the Nepenthes stereotypes of needing high humidity and high temperatures.  It's best that they don't go below 70 degrees, and that the humidity be no lower than 80%.  When the plants are older they are more adaptable to lower humidity.  However, it's unlikely you'll be able to have this plant as a windowsill plant like you can with many intermediate and highland varieties.  They will always need to a bit more humid and warm.  It's one of the reasons we don't currently carry this plant.  It is a very vigorous grower once it's in the conditions it likes.

Good Growing!

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