Question

N. tentaculata 'Sulawe   QUESTION: Jeff,

I have 2 Nepenthes tentaculata 'Sulawesi Spotted' that I have growing in my greenhouse...I purchased them as cuttings. They seem to be doing well, but I was concerned about one thing...the coloration of the older leaves. Is it normal for the leaves of this species to develop a red coloration, or is because the leaves are being burnt from too much sun? They get several hours of indirect sunlight throughout the day. I keep the soil#1 part LF sphagnum moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part small orchid bark# consistently moist, I water with RO water, and I have been fertilizing them with a weak solution of MaxSea fertilizer about every 2 weeks or so. I have 2 other tentaculatas, the Murud form, and they get the same amount of sunlight and their foliage appears to be fine. I keep the humidity between 60 and 80 percent in my greenhouse and their is good air circulation.

Also, I have some dewy pine seeds germinating...is it safe to use Neem oil, or a sulfur-based fungicide on these particular CP's??

Thanks!

Derick


Leilani Hapu'u Nepenth   ANSWER: Hi Derick,

The coloration looks very normal.  Leaf burn tends to be a bit more obvious with actual dead spots occurring.  If you have them in a greenhouse with a typical translucent covering, they are not getting too much light.  This coloration is probably normal for this clone.  Lots of Nepenthes have reddish leaves.

I've never use fungicides on Drosophyllum, so I'm not sure if it's safe on them or not.  Considering Drosophyllum need to be a little drier, how is it your having fungal problems?  These guys do not like being humid.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Jeff,

Thank you for answering my question regarding my N. tentaculatas. I greatly appreciate it! Regarding my Drosophyllum, I haven't noticed any fungal problems. I was more concerned with using a fungicide as a preventative measure while my Dewy Pines germinated. What would be an ideal humidity range for Drosophyllum?

Answer
Hi Derick,

That makes more sense.  That's a good practical precaution.  I find around 50% humidity is fine for Drosophyllum.  They like being consistently damp when young, but then a little drier as they get older.  I will water ours by doing some top watering, then leave just a very small amount of water in the tray.  When that water is gone and the pots are starting to dry on the outside just a little, I'll add more.

Good Growing!

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