Question
Hi, I got a new nepenthes from the internet yesterday and it looked real good. A few hours after I planted it, it started to turn brown. What must I do?

Answer
Hi RJ,

The main issue is acclimation.  I don't know how the original nursery grew their plant, but it was likely in a very humid environment.  So the sudden change in growing conditions, from high humidity to low humidity, likely shocked the plant.  Nepenthes can grow in lower humidity, but the transition must be done gradually.  It also depends on the species of Nepenthes you have.  Some species adapt quickly to lower humidity, while others take a long time.

The best thing to do is contact the original nursery for advice.  They will know how they were growing the plant, so they can assist you in the proper acclimation process.

For now, grow your plant in bright window with lots of indirect sunlight.  Keep the soil moist at all times.  Protect the plant from strong direct sunlight for the next 2 weeks.  With the brown leaves, the damage has already been done, and there's nothing you can do to reverse it.  You'll need to wait until new leaves occur.

For more information about growing Nepenthes, read our care sheet online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

In January, we will release volume 3 of our Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.  This volume will focus specifically on tropical pitcher plants.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin