Question
Hi i have a pretty nice humidifier. I want to give my only Nepenthes (Nepenthes Ventricosa) some extra humidity i heard that if you mist the vines right when they start to form all the way until the pitchers have almost completely formed they will pitcher. So i want to know if i can you tap water in the humidifier to give my nepenthes some extra humidity or should i use distilled water for it?

Answer
Hi Ean,

This depends more on the humidifier than it does the plant.  Is your humidifier an ultrasonic, or a warm mist humidifier?  With ultrasonics, it doesn't matter too much what kind of water you use.  With warm mist, they actually boil the water, so hard water will cause mineral build-up, and distilled water is better.  In either case you need to read the manufacturers directions on use.  Overall you would always be better off with distilled water.

On a side note, really make sure your plant is getting lots of light.  Extra humidity will only cause you grief if the plant is in low light.

Good Growing!

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