Question
Hi I have already asked a few questions before but I really need help on this one. To months ago I bought a Judith Hindle from home depot and they have been growing well for the last two months but to weeks ago a large cockroach fell in to one of the large pitchers. To survive the cockroach started to eat the dead insects inside but it died anyway then the pitcher started to stink and part of the pitcher where the cockroach died turn brown, then their has been a large amount of flying insects on the cockroach and in the pitcher. Also I found to large brown worms in the pitcher around the cockroach. and I found a small white worm in another pitcher and the tall pitchers or starting to lean a bit. The lids of some of the older pitchers started to turn black around the edges. I read the care sheets on your website, except I grow them in peat moss instead for two months now. Do you know how old these pitchers are when I got them they where 4 inches now they are 11 inches. Are they going to die this is the first time I ever successfully grown a carnivorous plant. And should I repot them?

Answer
Hi Jesus,

This happens from time to time when a plant catches a really big bug or lots of bugs.  Just cut off the top of the pitcher if it dies, or if it really seems to be causing problems, cut the whole pitcher off.

It's common for older pitchers to slowly die off.  As long as you see healthy new growth, the plant is fine.  Any chance you could send me a photo?  I can give you a better idea of what is going on if I could see the plant.


Good Growing!

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