Question
hi, i have had my nepenthes for a couple months now, and it was thriving. but now its leaved started to stop growing, and now dring up. so i decided to transplant it in some sphagnum moss and perlite, but when i took the plant out, there was almost no roots ,less than half of my fist,and the soil was in was very, very wet ( but it did not sit in water). so i put i in the moss and left it. i think it is root rot. how can i help it and keep it alive

thanks

Answer
Hi George,

That does sound like root rot.  When you transplant, use plenty of perlite in the sphagnum to give it drainage.  Also, soak or water the plant with a solution of Superthrive.  This can be found at most garden centers.  Just follow the dosage on the bottle.  This will help the plant to develop new roots.  You may also need to keep the plant a bit more humid for a couple of months while the new root system develops.  A partial transparent cover of some kind will help.  Also, be sure to cut off any dead leaves.

To prevent this in the future, keep the plant a bit less wet.  It sounds like it may have been in a peat mix without enough drainage.  Nepenthes like the soil moist, but never waterlogged.  They will tolerate some drying between waterings.  You'll need to keep it evenly moist during the recovery, however.  Most of my houseplant Nepenthes I water just once a week.


Good Growing!

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