Question
Hello,

My N. Truncata Order Number: 1076296
that I just received on 1/29 looks like it is starting to turn yellow. And was wondering if this could be stress related from shipping? My plant had a nice deep green look to it when I first took it out of the box, but now two days later it has a more overall yellow look to it. I have watered ones with purified reverse osmosis water, and let it all drain through good. I have the plant in an East window where it received a good 4 1/2 to 5 hours of direct sun light on Wednesday, but it has been overcast since then so I have been supplementing with a florescent grow light that is about 6" from the top of it, and for 10 hours a day. I also have a thermometer next to it to keep track of night time temps, and it dips down to around 55 F at night, and 70F day temps. If there is anything I am doing wrong, or if you need more info, then please let me know. Thank you, and have a nice day

Brent


Answer
Hi Brent,

Thank you for the detailed information.  This actually helps identify where the potential problem could be.  There are a couple things that could be happening based on what you've described.  

First is the sudden exposure to sunlight.  When a plant is grown is suddenly exposed to stronger light intensity, its leaves will turn yellow.  This is because the plant doesn't need as much chlorophyll since there is more than ample light.  Leaves will appear uniformly yellow.

Although we grow N. truncata on the top shelf of our greenhouse, we also have a fair amount of cloudy weather in Oregon at this time of the year.  So if the plant is suddenly exposed to direct sunlight for as many hours has you've given it, it could account for the yellow leaves.  Given that you are south of us, the winter sun will be more intense.  The supplemental grow light will also add to the increase in light intensity.  

In this case, cut back on the light intensity.  You can still maintain the same daylight hours, but protect the plant from direct sunlight for the time being.  If you're using a 40-watt or stronger fluorescent light, move it to about 8-12 inches above the plant.  If you're using a 20-watt light, keep it where it is.

While it is possible to grow Nepenthes truncata in that amount of light intensity, ideally it prefers partial sunlight rather than full sun.  Partial sunlight is about 4 hours of direct sunlight and bright indirect sunlight throughout the day.  I grow N. truncata in my west window, but it's shaded during the morning and early afternoon hours.

The second issue could be cold damage somewhere during the shipping process.  Generally cold damage occurs when the package is exposed to 35癋 or less for a significant amount of time (about 4 hours).  The damage, however, shows up as red splotches (from cellular damage) rather than uniform yellowing of the leaves. I remember checking the weather in Oklahoma prior to shipping, and I do remember your daytime temperatures was above 40癋, which is relatively safe for shipping Nepenthes.  

If possible, please take a photo of the plant  Make sure the photo is in focus.  Post the photo in our photo gallery in the AllExperts album.  I can make a more conclusive diagnosis with a photograph.  The photograph will also help other growers what to look for in their plants.  

Otherwise, send a follow-up if any of this seems like a potential cause.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin