Question

Browning leaves?   QUESTION: Hi Sarracenia guys,

I'm growing a Brocchinia reducta and it doesn't seem to be thriving.  Ever since I bought it about a month ago, I noticed very little new growth and some of its older leaves turned brown.

I live in zone 9, I grow it outdoors in full 8-9 hours sun (current winter daytime highs 60-70F, evening lows 45-55F), growing in your Nepenthes soil mix, 8x12" plastic pot, and kept moist with distilled water (no tray method, daily watering from top).

It's been colder than usual here in Southern California, evening lows sometimes dip into the low 40Fs (cold by our standards).  No snow, no frost, occasional light rains.  The sunlight the plant's getting is bright but not burning hot as it's winter time sun.  Can you please give me some advice?

Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Akira,

You might have a couple things that could be happening.  First, this looks like a small "pup" that was just removed from a larger plant.  It may not have a well developed root system yet.  It could also need some fertilizer.  I find that Brocchinia responds best to being treated more like a bromeliad than a pitcher plant.  It also could have been in a humid greenhouse, so it is having some issues with the transition.

Try giving the plant a little more shade for the next month.  If you can surround it with other plants it will dapple the light some.  If your nights have been very cool, you might consider bringing it in until nights are staying above 50F.  We keep ours in the Nepenthes greenhouse during the winter, but move them outside in June.  This will give it time to grow new roots.

Give the plant a regular orchid or bromeliad fertilizer.  Just like Nepenthes use it at 1/4 strength, and pour a small amount in the leaf well about once a week.  Continue your regular top-watering.  We usually mist them with it.  Don't over-due the fertilizer, however.  If you drop the strength down to 1/8 strength you could use it everytime you water.  Brocchinia are not very fast growing anyway, so give it time.

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the informative answer.  I've already moved it from the direct sun during the day and moved it indoors at night.

As for fertilizer, should I use a liquid one (at 1/4 to 1/8 strength) specifically made for bromeliads or orchid liquid fertilizer? Orchid fertilizer seems easier to find where I'm at and I've read before this can also be used?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Akira,

As I mentioned before, either one is going to be fine.  They are not real fussy about the fertilizer.  What orchid and bromeliad fertilizers have in common is they are formulated for epiphytes.

Good Growing!

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