Question
Hello, I got a Nepenthes Mikei from you guys about a month ago and it was great.  It's producing pitchers, but the leaves are coming out twisted and they are getting progressivly smaller. I grow it in a mix of 1/3 coconut husk, 1/3 sphagnum moss, 1/3 perlite, and I keep the soil nice and moist, and leave it under 2 40-watt cool flourescent bulbs for 12 hours a day, 6 inches from the plant.

I also have a Nepenthes Sanguinea (Red).  It produced two pitchers, and then produced 3 leaves with out pitchers, and the leaves are also getting smaller and twisted. I grow it in 1/2 sphagnum moss, 1/2 perlite, and I keep the soil moist, and keep it under the bulbs like the Mikei for 12 hours.

Both have good drainage and I don't sit them in water.  What could I be doing wrong?

Answer
Hi Agustin,

For the short term, try giving them a weak orchid fertilizer that you spray on the leaves.  If you have a powdered fertilizer, use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.  Use a simple spray bottle and spray it on them once a week.  Keep your watering routine the same.

I would like to see your plants.  Either take a photo of them and submit it here, or bring them down to the Portland Saturday Market this weekend so I can see them.  Smaller leaves I've seen plenty of times, but the twisted leaves don't make any sense, since your growing conditions sound very good.

Good Growing!

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