Question
My Nepenthes - Asian Pitcher Plant is amazingly huge, but the little tips on the ends of the leaves are not producing pitchers.  I did notice a huge flower on the end of one of the leaves.  What does that mean?  Does it mean the plant is about to die?


Answer
Hi Lyn,

When Nepenthes get older they often bloom.  This doesn't mean they are dieing.  Flower spikes usually emerge from the side of a stem.  If your plant is big, but not producing pitchers, it's usually from a couple of things.  The first is not enough light.  The plant should be in at least partial sun.  In low light they won't pitcher.  Also as winter commences pitcher production often ceases as the days get short.  The other possibility is over-fertilization.  Nepenthes do appreciate light fertilizing, but if it's overdone, they have no need to make pitchers.  They are already getting plenty of food.  Send us a photo if you get a chance.


Good Growing!

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