Question
QUESTION: I just received my ventricosa on friday and i've had it placed in the window getting filtered sun ( the window is under a grape arbor, so the sunlight is pretty filtered).I've watered it once and I've been making sure the soil stays moist. Today I noticed one of the leaves turned yellow with dark spots, and some of the other leaves are starting to turn faded yellow. help! does it need more sunlight? I thought I read on this site that yellowed leaves was a sign of to much sunlight. I'm a bit confused, and I really want this plant to work out for me. Any advice? Thank you in advance!

ANSWER: Hi Katie,

What you're describing just sounds like the older leaves that are on their way out.  Just like all plants no leaf lives forever.  Simply cut those off as they brown.  Healthy new leaves tend to be a little yellow on N. ventricosa anyway if they are getting enough light.

If anything it sounds like you may not have enough light.  Contrary to popular belief, Nepenthes are not shade plants.  Your window should be getting some direct sun for your plant.  Full sun through a window isn't the same as full sun outside since the glass blocks most of the UV light.  

The only other advice I would give is on watering.  When you water keep the soil moist, but don't allow the pot to sit in a pool of water for long periods.  A little in the water tray is ok, but they don't like to be as wet as sundews and Sarracenia pitcher plants.

If you get a chance, post me a picture of your plant.  That always gives me a better idea of how your plant is doing.

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


my ventricosa   QUESTION: I placed my plant in a sunnier window that gets more direct light, and I  hope
that helps. The leaves that turned yellow are old leaves, not new ones. Here is
a picture of the plant
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/Caelyth/P1000116.jpg
you can see the yellowed leaves at 5 o clock and 10 o clock.

Thanks for your swift response!

Answer
Hi Katie,

Thanks for sending the picture.  Those are definitely just old leaves.  Just cut those off.  As your plant ages it will get a longer brown stem as leaves die off from the bottom.  Older Nepenthes get very vine-like.

Good Growing!

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