Question
I have had my N Mikei for six or seven months now and in the last two weeks all of the leaves have turned black on the smaller shoots and the top few leaves on the main shoot.  The plant was growing well and wasn't showing any signs of being sick until this. when the leafs turn black they take on a mushy texture before drying a few days later. I have other Nepenthes in my house around the same window (bolth Highland and Lowland and none of my other plants are showing signs of loosing health.  I give the plants the same watter (local tap that has sat open for 48hrs to remove chlorine and is at less then 80ppm)  do you know what is causing this or if I will be able to salvage the plant?

Answer
Hi Clayton,

It sounds like the plant may be too wet.  The symptoms sound very much like the roots are rotting out.  If the top is dying on the plant the only thing you can do is cut the top off and see if it will send up new shoots.  It may already be too late.  Try to make sure the soil is moist, but never sits in water.  Also avoid misting if a problem like this is cropping up.  Also, you didn't mention temperatures.  N. mikei is definitely a highlander, so if it was getting very hot that could also cause problems.  Many other Nepenthes such as sanguinea wouldn't care.

Good Growing!

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