Question
I've got an N. Ventricosa.  The plant has developed a sort of bent stem, apparently not via damage.  It seems to want to be effectively laying on its side now.  I'm certain it wasn't damaged, the stem looks fine other than that it's curving.  Is that normal, and if not, can it be fixed without hurting the plant?

Answer
Hi Steven,

No it doesn't hurt the plant to grow sideways.  In fact, that's pretty normal in cultivation.  Nepenthes produce long vines, and when the vine gets long, the weight of it causes the plant to lay on its side.

Nepenthes are also potted up in a loose soil mix to maximize soil aeration.  Sometimes it's difficult for small plants to get fully secured in this type of mix, so they might lean to one side.  Again, this doesn't harm the plant in any manner.  It only affects the manner in which it grows.

If you prefer that your plant grows upright, stake it up with a chopstick or skewer.  I sometimes do this to Nepenthes because it's a lot easier to manage a plant that's growing upright rather than to the side.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin