Question

dewy pine   Allexperts,

I have a question concerning a Dew Pine.  I  got the dewy pine from you guys.  I have it growing in a 10in terra-cotta pot.  I have it under 60 watts CFL lights with a 12 hour timer.  I am using distilled water.  My question is the bottom half of the plant is turning a brown copper color.  Is this something I should be concerned with?   I have attached a photo.  If there any other information you need please let me know?  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Weylin

Answer
It's normal for the bottom portion of the plant to discolor, very much like Nepenthes.  This portion is like the stem from which leaves sprout.  However, it is unusual for it to be doing that right now.  Given the node spacing between each leaf, I have a hunch that your lighting isn't intense enough.  This plant grows best in full sun.  I assume you're using 60-watt CFL of actual output.  This would give you about 3000 lumens, which means the bulb needs to be about 6 inches above the plant.  This will take care of the plant in the short term.  In the long term, you may need to consider incorporating sunlight when the plant gets larger.  If that's not possible, you may need to use a metal halide light.  For now, move your CFL a lot closer to the plant.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin