Question
Hi, i just had a few questions reguarding these things.  First, my N. Ventricosa is growing the the same conditions as my other nepenthes.  They are hanging in the window and get light when the sun is out, they dont get that much because its winter.  One of the N. leaves turned black and its towards the top.  Its completely black, and i was wondering how it happend.  All the other plants are doing fine and its just that one.  Lastly, have you had any expierence using L.E.D lights.  Are these okay to grow tropical cps with during the winter?  thanks.

Answer
Hi Dustin,

Unless you are seeing lots of leaves dying on your N. ventricosa, a single leaf dying is a normal part of the plant's growth.  If the plant is blackening at the crown, then something more serious has happened.  Make sure you're not keeping the soil too wet.

LED lights designed for horticultural use should be great for cp.  The hard thing with these lights is that they decrease in intensity very quickly as you move them away from the plants.  Since they generate almost no heat, make sure you have them very close to your plants.

Good Growing!

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