Question
I ordered a N. ventricosa and a N. Miranda which both arrived with shiny green leaves. It has been placed in a sunny south facing window ( 1 ft above a heater ) in New York City, watered with rain water and in the same soil medium that it was shipped with.

The problem I'm having now is that the leaves are starting to look a bit dry with brown spots starting to appear. The
ventricosa's leaves are actually starting to blacken at the tips and slowly turning brown similar to dying VFT leaves.

I'm not sure what's going on or if I'm doing something wrong. I need help fast!

Answer
Hi Neil,

If warm, dry air is coming right up where the plants are from the heater, that's not doing them any favors.  See if you can move them in such a way that the heat isn't directed right at them.  Also, If just the lower leaves on the stems are browning, don't worry about that too much.  That is often normal as plants transition to a new location.  Pay more attention to newer growth.  If the newer growth is having problems, then you do have some issues.  Also make sure you're keeping the soil moist.  Nepenthes like their soil evenly moist.  They will tolerate some drying, but do better if it's moist.  On the contrary, they shouldn't sit in water, however.  

If you get a chance, send me a photo.  This will help immensely in diagnosing problems.  If your camera doesn't focus close, them be sure to stand back far enough so that the image is in focus.


Good Growing!

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