Expert: Christopher Littrell - 5/6/2009

Question
"I was at lowes and i couldnt help but notice the death
cubes of CPS..i got a butterwort..that unfortunately died
over nite..(i didnt even do anything)..im not worried i
have 3 other cool cps that are healthy..ill try to save it
but we'll see..ANYWHO..i got a nepenthis spp and i dont
really have a greenhouse or a window that gets any sun
light really..so i was wondering if i could put my
nepenthis out where my pitcher, vft, and sundew
are..honestly thats really my only option..its not really
TOO hot rite now in the bay area of california..but it will
get warmer..also like for my 3 other plants..should i put a
water tray underneath it with hte distilled water..or do i
have to top water it everyday..cuz that could prove
challenging"

Answer
Hello Matt,

Nepenthes are partial light plants that usually do not tolerate direct sun as well as Venus Flytraps do. Nepenthes do require intense light, just not as intense as full sun plants do. Place it in an east or south facing window or undrr a screened patio or under a large tree where the branches and leaves partially shade the plant.

Nepenthes also require moist soil all the time, but not as wet as Sarracenias and Venus Flytraps. A tray under the pot is fine, but never allow more than a fraction of an inch of water to stand for longer than a day or two under the pot. Nepenthes can suffer from root rot in standing water like what you give your Venus Flytraps. Wate the Nepenthes once every 3-4 days well and empty the water tray after a few hours.

Christopher