Question
On my Nepenthes Miranda and Nepenthes Sanguinea the pitchers keep dying one after the other. There are never more than 2 pitchers. The leaves on the Miranda are solid red, and the leaves on the Sanguinea are green. I have my plants under 40 watt florescent light bulbs. I have them 3-4 inches under the light fixture, and I have the lights on for 16 hours a day. Am I giving my Nepenthes too much light?

Answer
Hi Robert,

I don't know how long you've been growing your plants in this manner, so I can't really say if you're giving your plants too much light or if you simply need to wait.  It could be possible that the heat generated by the tubes and ballast is shortening the lifespan of the pitchers.  In any case, you could definitely afford to back off the light source to 6-8 inches.  The leaves on the Miranda don't have to be solid red, though it looks pretty cool.  Even in full sun, I don't think the leaves turn solid red.

Make sure the soil is constantly moist.  This is key.  If there is heat build up from the light fixture, you may see increase evaporation.  Water frequently to keep the soil moist.  If you have the plants near a heat vent, you may need to remodel your home to move the heat vent.  Otherwise, move your plants.  Also monitor the temperature near your plants.  The ideal temperature range is 70?80癋 during the day.  If it rises higher than that, the light fixture may be the culprit.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin