Question
Nepenthes Jamban
Hey you guys!
I have had a problem with two of my highland plants, N. jamban and C. follicularis. It seems just recently they both started to decline rapidly, and since it happened to both of them at the same time, I'm sure it's no coincidence. All of my other plants are doing fine, which include:
N. aristolochioides (been doing well and producing 4 pitchers in 2 months!)
N. tentaculata (really picked up about a month ago, has 2 pitchers and making another)
N. sibuyanensis
N. talangensis (still adjusting after about 2 months)
and a Heli.
All but the two declining ones are doing great, and I'm unsure of what the problem could be because everything else isn't declining with it.
The jamban suddenly stopped all pitcher production and practically quit growing. It finally did produce another leaf, but it is quite small. (picture)
The Ceph. has been dropping a few non-carnivorous leaves (which i took to be coming out of dormancy) but it has continued dropping them (after I thought it should quit), and 2 pitchers, the third declining.
Now, on to the questions:
The only change I made to the terrarium recently was adding a cooling system, and there is cool air blowing on the plants now. It is blowing directly on the two plants, but I don't think that's the issue. Any ideas? (I hope I can save them. They are two of my favorites, and excellent plants)
Thank you guys!
~Chance
AnswerHi Chance,
Thank you for the information. Yes, I actually think the cold air blowing on them would make a difference. While these plants like mild conditions, they don't appreciate cold air blowing on them. There's a difference between circulating the air and having air blow directly on the plants. With cool air blowing constantly on the plants, they will lose moisture through their leaves. This is why the jamban stopped producing pitchers and the new leaf is smaller than usual. It's trying to prevent excessive moisture loss. The Cephalotus is also dropping it's leaves and pitchers because the it too is experiencing excessive moisture loss.
So move the plants away from the cooling system or redirect the air flow so it's not blowing directly on any plants. Make sure the soil is always moist. It will take a few months for the plants to recover, but they should once they are away from the draft.
Good growing!
Jacob Farin
