Question
QUESTION: Hey Jeff and Jacob,
I've had my nep maxima for over 2 years now, and about 6 months ago, it had a growth explosion and grew a good 18 inches with minimal leaves (one leaf about every 4-5 inches) and only one is thinking of pitchering. i'm having a hard time keeping it vertical, it is starting to sag.  I'm not sure if i should just let it hang down, or if i should clip the top and propogate another plant.  I'll probably repot it in the next month, and probably do a hanging pot (maybe) i'm not sure.  Any suggestions?  

I've also had an accident with a small spoonleaf sundew that got knocked off the window and dried out a bit.  I put it back in the pot and surrounded it with soil, and kept it wet and under a direct flourscent lamp for about 2-3 weeks now.  it has signs of life, should i break it apart? There were about 8-10 clumps.  and about half of them are still alive.  it is better to break them up and replant?  or to leave them in tact? (again, i've left them in tact for 2-3 weeks. and i'm thinking i need to break them up and give them a little space.  please advise.  
Darren

ANSWER: Hi Darren,

This is a good problem to have with your Nepenthes.  It sounds like it's growing very well.

You can definitely let it hang as long as its pot will support the weight.  The vine is very strong, so don't worry too much about that part.  If you have the ability to let the plant vine out across a window they can look very attractive.  It's also ok if you want to cut it back since this will result in more of a bushy plant rather than long vines.  You can easily root the piece you cut off.

With your sundews, since they have already been disturbed, separating them now is good timing.  Giving them more space will give you nicer individual plants.  Just cut off any dead leaves, and keep them wet.  You may loose a few, but the ones that survive will look nicer.


Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the great advice!  i'll probably cut my maxima when it gets a little longer.  I'll probably suspend the vine over my kitchen window.  And when it gets too out of control for that (which i hope happens) i'll come up with "plan b"  when i trim it, where exactly do i place the cut?  How long should be the piece that i 're-root' be? Any tips on having the maxima cut piece sprout faster and healthier?  (i found an article on "how to" cut back a nepenthes, but i wanted to get the expert opinion of they greenhouse that i purchased it from over 2 years ago.

Answer
Hi Darren,

When you decide to cut the plant back, make a cut evenly between leaves.  The dormant nodes are located just above each leaf, and this is where new growth will develop.  A section for a cutting should have at least two leaves on it.

It sounds like you have some information on taking cuttings, and there are a variety of ways to situate them for rooting.  Most common methods for rooting stem forming plants work on Nepenthes.  From our experience, be sure to use a rooting hormone, limit leaf transpiration by using a cover or an anti-transpirant spray, and cut leaves in half.  Also you need bright light, and putting them under fluorescent lights is best.  You also want to keep the temperature above 70 degrees to encourage faster rooting.  For more details it would be beneficial to take a look at our E-book since we have photos and detailed instructions on this process.  This can be found at:  http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=7158cf43d86dcf408d


Good Growing!

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