Question

Nepenthes x Judith Fin   QUESTION: I receved a Nepenthes x Judith Finn and it was doing fine at first "see picture" but suddenly the leves went flismy and there are small crinkel marks on it... I dont know if it is a low land or hi land type but I mist it 1 time a day and i keep its soil moist with a little water at the bottem of its water tray?? what am i doing rong??

ps.
almost frogot I am in the U.S.A. south carloina, spartanburg

ANSWER: Hi Blake,

You mentioned that the photograph is of the plant as you first acquired it.  In this case, it would have been helpful if you uploaded the plant in its current state.  This would help me in providing you a more accurate assessment of the situation.  

Based on your description, it seems your plant might be experiencing shock from a sudden change in humidity.  While most carnivorous plants grow well in lower humidity, they still need a period of acclimation in which they are gradually exposed to their new environment.  So it could be that the plant was initially grown in high constant humidity.  At the time you've acquired it, it was then suddenly exposed to lower humidity.

Misting, unfortunately, doesn't do any good since the moisture only lasts for a few minutes.  Once the mist dries up, the plant is back in lower humidity.  To be truly effective, you'll need to mist every half hour to every hour.  Since most people can't do that, I generally discourage growers from misting their plants.  It sets up unrealistic expectations about humidity.

Another issue could be the health of the roots.  I'm not sure where you acquired your plant, but unfortunately not all nurseries are careful when potting their Nepenthes.  The roots are very delicate, so if the nursery was careless and damaged the fine root system, the plant might not be able to absorb enough water through its roots.  This would also cause the symptoms you're witnessing.

Now there are two ways to assess what's really going on.  If the symptoms occurred with 24 hours after you acquired your plant, then it's likely the plant experienced a sudden exposure to lower humidity.  In this case, the damage is already done, so you might as well keep the plant as is.  Just make sure the soil remains constantly moist.  Over a course of a week or so, the plant will recover.

If the symptoms occurred within a week or so after you acquired your plant, then it's likely damaged roots.  In this case, cover your plant with a clear plastic bag to reduce moisture loss through its leaves.  Grow the plant under strong fluorescent lights and avoid direct sunlight for now.  You'll need to keep your plant in the plastic bag for a month or two until it establishes new roots.

After that, gradually transition the plant to lower humidity by first cutting a small hole in the bag.  After a few days, increase the size of the hole slightly.  Continue doing this a few more times.  After a couple weeks, you should be able to remove the bag altogether.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Nepenthes x Judith Fin   QUESTION: Ive had it a week, well two weeks now with no problems so I guess its the roots thanks for all of the good info!! I would of attched a second photo but it wouldn't let me, you might not be able to see it good but the leves have curled and has crincles in it??

Answer
In your second photograph, I can see that your plant is growing in peat moss and perlite.  This is an OK mix for Nepenthes, but the mix needs to have a higher ratio of perlite.  The standard mix is equal parts of each.  With Nepenthes, you actually want more drainage, so you'll need to use 1 part peat moss and 2 parts perlite.

If you don't know what mix the nursery used, you should repot the plant in a different mix with more drainage.  If there isn't sufficient drainage, the roots will rot.  This could be another factor affecting your plants.

I also reread your original question and you mentioned that you keep water in the bottom of the tray.  Don't do that.  Allow the water to drain through.  Nepenthes shouldn't sit in water.  This will also increase rotting.

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