Question

Nepenthes   QUESTION: Alexperts,

This Nepenthes I got a year ago.   I got the plant at Lowe's.   I use know distilled water on the plant; I have used tap water for it.   The bottom half of the plant is black is this norma?  My main question is do I have to use superthrive when I go to repot it.  I have attached a photo.  I believe it is Nepenthes Venticosa.

Sincerely,

Weylin

ANSWER: Hi Weylin,

Thank-you for sending a photo.  This plant is in desperate need of repotting.  The sphagnum moss has broken down and turned to mush.  If you are going to use tap water, at times, repot it in a more mineral soil; i.e., one that has more perlite, pumice, vermiculite, etc...  The organic ingredients break down faster in hard water.  

Black stems on Nepenthes are normal as they age.

Superthrive is certainly not a requirement but it helps the plant overcome transplanting shock, and develop new roots more quickly.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: allexperts,

Hey on a Nepenthes can you just use Perlite in the soil mix?  Just one other question,  I am due to get a P. primuliflora from you. My question concerning the P. primuliflora is can it go outside I live in zone 7 were are the middle of a heat wave the temperature is in high 90"-100's. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Weylin

Answer
Hi Weylin,

Your can't really use just perlite and nothing else.  You need to have some ingredient that holds water.  We have a detailed explanation of Nepenthes on "Grow Carnivorous Plants" volume #3 DVD.

Pinguicula primuliflora is no stranger to heat.  They are native to the Florida panhandle.  Just give it some dappled shading.  They tend to grow among grasses.

Good Growing!

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