Question
Hello, I have a Ventricosa and the plant is alittle over 2 years old and I have recently transplanted it.  My wonderment is that the lower portion or brown part of the stem is getting fat and splitting open.  The green upper part is still fine.  It's been one month since the transplant.  What is the lower stem splitting open for??

Lighting is 5 26w exo-terra grow lights.  It's in a 6 inch pot with California Carnivores Nepenthes soil mix.  It's in a terrarium with 65% humidity day and over 90% at night.  Watered with distilled and sits in tray but not in the water.  Temp. is low 80 day and high 60 at night.

Jason

Answer
Hi Jason,

It's likely that your plant is sending up a shoot from the lower portion of the stem, so it's a good thing.  Within several months, you'll have another branch on your Nepenthes.

To be sure, upload a photograph of the plant.  Make sure the section of the plant in question is clear.  Avoid using your cell phone camera.  Use a regular digital camera instead.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin