Question

N. ampullaria Brunei R   I have a N. ampullaria Brunei Red x Harlequin that is growing under two 6400k CFL bulbs. The temperature ranges from 70-80 degrees F with the humidity between 60-70%. The potting medium is New Zealand LFS and the water is filtered from the tap. The problem I m having is the brown patches that are appearing on the leaves. The patches turn the leaf sunken in and papery. So far it doesn't seem to be more than merely aesthetic but I was just hoping to get your opinion on the matter. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Brian,

The first thought that comes to mind is that your media could be a bit too wet, combined with the temperatures being too low.  N. ampullaria is a true lowlander wanting daytime temperatures in the 80's to low 90's.  I've actually lost ampullaria when kept in the 50's and 60's too long.

See if you can get the temperature up, and repotting in a soil media with more course materials would be good.  Add some perlite and bark to your sphagnum moss.  Nepenthes media should drain quickly.  Also be sure your not allowing it to sit in water.  These guys do like high humidity; keeping it at a constant 70-80% would be good.

What does your growing area look like for this plant?

Good Growing!

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