Question
Nepenthes
Hi, appreciate your input on the N. miranda leaf discoloration. Totally thought it was a pest and not pigmentation changes on the leaves. Going on to new topic I have a young N. unknown growing in full sun, almost daily watering, and a soil mix of 2 parts sphagnum moss, 1 part perlite, 1 part orchid bark (the soil mix has literally changed a day to this mix from a mix of just sphagnum moss). Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
AnswerHello Greg,
Nepenthes typically obtain partial sun where they grow naturally. Full sun can cause leaf burn in most Nepenthes species. Apply some light shading like a screen or large tree to grow them under or grow them indoors in a bright window with additional florescent shop lights. They do not need as much sunlight as a garden plant, however; do need far more intense light than most other houseplants. Nepenthes prefer 3-4 hours of bright morning sun, intermittent sunlight from between tree branches around noon, and 3-4 hours of bright evening sunlight before sundown.
The soil mix you are using is fine, Nepenthes do require an airy, well draining mix like that, however; next year when you repot it you should avoid perlite and go with a mix of 1/3 sphagnum, 1/3 orchid bark, 1/3 coconut husk or alternatively one part sphagnum to two parts orchid bark. Perlite degrades and can release chemicals that are toxic to Nepenthes after about a year of use. You can water Nepenthes as often as you like but make sure the soil drains fast and that no water remains standing under the pot in a tray. Too much standing water often leads to root rot if it stands for several days at a time.
Looks like you are well on your way to producing some fine plants,
Christopher
