Question
My brother has bought a very healthy pitcher plant a tropical; when would be the best time of the year to take babies from around the parent plant the plant has 8inch to 10 inch pitchers and is in a hanging basket.

                          Thanks


                                GREENMAN

Answer
Hi Paul,

I'm assuming you're referring to Nepenthes.  These plants will often produce shoots near the base of the plant.  While it is tempting to separate them from the mother plant, it's not always possible.  Nepenthes are technically woody vines, so the shoots are often coming off from the main vine.  You can separate them off ONLY if the shoots have their own set of roots.  If not, then you'll need to keep them intact.

If the shoots have their own roots, you can separate them at any time of the year.  In our upcoming DVD, Grow Carnivorous Plants Volume 3, we will demonstrate how to repot and propagate Nepenthes.  Hopefully the DVD will be ready for release by January 1.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin