Question
My local florist said that if humidity is too low, Nepenthes' tendrils and developing pitcher will "burn" and not produce pitchers. I have a N. ventricosa that has had this happen.  Th florist also mentioned that this is especially true of N. Sibuyanensis. Do you know if these statements are true? Is there a way to prevent this?
Also are the Sarracenia and flytraps you sell expected to flower this year.
                      Thanks

Answer
Hi Dustin,

This can be true if the air is exceptionally dry, or if the plant is too close to forced air heat vents.  Before I jump to the humidity conclusion, however, I look at other factors first.  Is it getting some direct sun?  Most Nepenthes won't pitcher if light levels are inadequate.  Is it winter?  Short days also inhibit pitchering.  Is the plant's soil being kept evenly moist?  If these things are taken care of, and the plant has made it a few months during the spring and summer and haven't pitchered, then it may be time to consider increasing humidity.  Also, it is somewhat species dependent.  N. ventricosa and N. sibuyanensis can be a bit more reluctant to pitcher at times.  Others like N. sanguinea will pitcher easily no matter what the humidity if they are getting enough sun.

Most of the Venus flytraps will probably flower.  3" Sarracenia are not large enough to bloom.  4" and up Sarracenia could very well bloom depending on the species.  There's no surefire way to tell, however, until you see a flower stalk forming.


Good Growing!

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