Question
Nepenthes Damage
Hi, I just recently purchased a mini cold frame greenhouse to assist with lack of humidity climate conditions (https://www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/prod1;;e055ab41_102445.html). I am using this greenhouse to house a couple of young Nepenthes I own (species unknown), a deroose ventrata and miranda, and a Nepenthes albomarginata red x Cincta purchased from exotica plants as well as possibly 2 young Nepenthes I am looking to purchase from you guys.
What I am noticing is that I should have done a bit more homework before sticking these plants into this greenhouse. It was a bit too warm the first 2 days with temperature reaching over 100 degrees and I could not get the humidity levels above 40-50. As of late, weather has been humid outside so inside this greenhouse, conditions have been good fortunately. However, from those first 2 days, some damage has been done as seen in the picture attached. My question to you is is there any advice you can give me as far as the keeping of these plants and techinques to keep humidity high and temperature low. Thanks for your time
AnswerHi Greg,
Boy, sure wish you had contacted us first. We could have saved you some money and hassle. That type of greenhouse is only of benefit when used indoors under artificial light, or in a larger greenhouse as a mini hothouse. Despite the photos, and as you have already discovered, there is no way to adequately heat or cool a greenhouse like that outside. They are too small.
Most of the Nepenthes species you have don't need high humidity. Nepenthes x "deRooses's alata" is the quintecential houseplant. So is N. x "Miranda". For many Nepenthes you just need a bright window, and to keep they well watered. Even the albo-marginata cross you have would probably respond well. You just need to give them time to adapt. I have about 10 Nepenthes in my own home that grow well and pitcher each year. They are in no enclosures of any kind, and get partial sun in their windows. Humidity is never above 50%.
Since your plants have suffered some damage, you should probably baby them for awhile. Move them to an appropriate window, and water them with a solution of Superthrive and a weak orchid fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer at 1/4 tsp. per gallon of water. Do this every two weeks. Visit our caresheet page on Nepenthes here for more information: http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=32
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
