Question
Hello,

I got my N. ventricosa 'k' about a year ago, and since then it has only put out not so great looking leaves.  Is this particular clone a lowland form?  It hasn't put out any pitchers and just doesn't looked pleased.  i have a regular ventricosa red that is growing in the same conditions and its actually the first ventricosa i've had that has put out pitchers consistantly.

entire plant
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn470/lazy-photographer/Picture253.jpg
under leaf
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn470/lazy-photographer/Picture254.jpg

it has been moved outside where it does get partial sunlight instead of the windowsill. almost looks like the newest leaves are coming on strong but i just want to make sure its not a pest.

thanks
dustin

Answer
Hi Dustin,

Get a hand-lens and look carefully at the undersides of the leaves.  Two pests come to mind that could cause this.  One is spider mites the other is thrips.  If you see bugs you may need to spray for them, or in that little greenhouse a No-Pest strip would work great.  If you don't see any bugs, it's just environmental; maybe the move out to the greenhouse.  The new growth does look good.

It's possible this is a lowlander and wants to be warm.  N. rafflesiana gets those red patches frequently if it's too cool.

I'm not totally sure what you have there actually is ventricosa.  Most of the ventricosas I've seen tend to have waxier looking leaves.  It's hard to tell, however without pitchers.
Good Growing!

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