Question
Last month I took my Asian Picture plant (Ventrata) outside.  The leaves turn red toward the center and then die.  The new leaves are healthy as are the buds.  We have recently had a heat wave (93 degrees).  Is this sun damage, its in the same place as last year with no damage then?  I have been trimming the leaves with deadness, whats wrong???

Answer
Hi Larry,

Since it's happening to the older leaves, I suspect that it's an acclimation issue.  Usually the older leaves are the first ones to be affected.  What you've described is consistent with sun damage.  I sometimes see this when I move my Nepenthes outdoors for the summer.  As long as the new growth looks healthy, your plant is healthy except for some leaf burn.

I'd suggest that you move your plant back indoors for the summer, at least for this year.  Give your plant time to recuperate and produce a new set of leaves and pitchers.  When the vine gets long enough, allow it to hang over the pot.  This will stimulate new shoots to come up from the base.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin