Question
Hi! I just ordered a beautiful little N. ventricosa from you about two weeks ago. Of the three pitchers that it had, two have started to turn black. I'm just wondering how long pitchers tend to last on this particular plant and what the likely cause of this is. I know there are many factors that go into account. I water the plant twice a week with distilled water and it hangs in a west window, in case you're wondering about those two biggies. So, what do you think the likely cause is of the pitcher loss?

Answer
Hi Megan,

This is pretty common when Nepenthes go through a transition period, especially with ventricosa.  You'll mostly just need to give it time to adjust to the new microclimate at your home.  You might monitor the soil moisture a little more just to make sure the soil is always damp during this period.  It's ok to leave just a small amount of water in the tray since it'll get used up fast during hot weather.  Give it about 3 weeks and see how it does.  If you haven't already, try giving it a weak orchid fertilizer also.  Mix it at 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water, and apply every two weeks.


Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com