Expert: Christopher Littrell - 2/2/2009

Question
hi,
1. why do the leaves of nep.turn curly and folds in longitudinally?
2. is there a way to preserve the cups ie make them last longer without drying up or is it just species related?
3. is there a way to speed up the ends of new leaves to become cups?
4. what's the easiest ( and cheapest?) way to humidify their environment? ( talking about medium to big plants)
5.what's the difference between a hybrid and a species in terms of their value ? Do people tend to give higher value for original species or is it all just about the beauty of the cups?
6. should i wait till entire leave turns brown before i trim off or do it before? is their effect on plant growth and other cups whether i do one or the other?
7. why do some leaf tips never mature into cups but turns black and dries up? any way to prevent this?
8. does the optimal amount of sunlight needed varies between species or is it all just the same?
9. my windows are only one direction , so would like to ask if morning sun or noon/late noon sun better for these plants ?
thank you very much for taking time to answer my questions.
David

Answer
Hello David,

1. Evolution. The leaves adapted to evolutionary pressures so that their form follows their function.

2. Nepenthes pitchers tend to last longer when the plant has optimal humidity and when prey is being digested in the pitcher. In most cases, Nepenthes pitchers last a few months before drying up.

3. Optimal light levels and proper nitrogen levels from digested insect prey will aid in the speed that new growth is produced.

4. A humidifier unit or large trays of water sitting around the room with other forms of foliage in large supply will increase the humidity in the room. Also, keeping the room at about 70-75 degrees will optimize the humidity levels as water condenses and remains as microdrops within that temperature range better.

5. Rarity, difficulty in growing, or beauty of a plant might affect its price. Aparticularly easy to generate hybrid that is not all that great looking might be cheap. A rare and difficult to grow natural species might be expensive.

6. Each plant species has its own growth pattern. Some Nepenthes species produce pitchers readily while others produce them only rarely. Optimal light, nutients, and humidity can incease the chances of pitcher formation on more leaves.

7. Each species will have its own preference to sunlight. Most Nepenthes do well in partial light. Some few Nepenthes can adapt to full sun.

8. Morning sun would be best with plenty of ambient light for the entire day. If the plants do not develop good coloration, slow in growth, and fail to produce pitchers, increase the light they receive by adding 12000 lumens of florescent shop lights of the 40 watt cool white variety. That would be 4 of the four foot tubes. Place the lights about 5-8 inches above the plants and leave them on for 12-16 hours a day.

Christopher