Expert: Christopher Littrell - 11/23/2010

Question
Hi Christopher, I've had a N. Macrophylla for almost 3 months and the plant is still unravelling the same newest leaf. It's been super super slow and the new leaf doesn't look that healthy either. I've read in different places that this spieces is a moderatly fast grower and easy to take care of.  But Iv'e been having a super hard time with it though.  The way I take care of it is I grow it under 2 Cool white flourescent bulbs, on 14 hours a day, with 50%+ humidity with temuratures 65-75 during the day, and nights are 90%+ humidity with tempuratures 40-45.  I also have sphagnum growing around the the plant to.  The soil is always moist and I spray it 2 times a day with cool refrigerator water.  Iv'e been very patient with it and it still won't do anything, even growing it in it's highland/ultra-highland conditions.  I've also been having the same thing with N. Mikei and aristolochoides, growing them in same conditions to, and I don't fertilize them, and still being stubborn. What am I doing incorrectly?

I also have a N Rajah, which is acually growing super well, thats thrown a bunch of new leaves. But when it's tendrils touch the soil, they don't turn black and die nor do they begin to swell.  They just sit there and never do anything.  What could that be?

Thank You for your Help.  

Answer
Hello Agustin,

I typically do not grow Ultra-highlands, however, it sounds to me that you need higher humidity in the day, around 70% or more, and slightly different temperatures as well. N. macrophylla tends to prefer daytime temperatures between 70-80 and nighttime temperatures around 50-60. I would also increase the amount of light the plant receives by adding an extra twin mount cool white shop light to increase the overall intensity to 12000 lumens. As Nepenthes get bigger, they simply need more coverage, so add more light as needed. From what I understand, N. macrophylla likes a very narrow range of conditions to grow well. Not every highland and ultra-highland plant will like the exact same conditions, so you will need to check on what each likes and try to adjust accordingly. Apparently you have great conditions for N. rajah, but it probably just needs more light and patience. Ultra-highland plants are for the enthusiast that has a lot of patience as they are typically slow growers and difficult to please even in trying to get a first pitcher until you have their individual needs nailed down. I would suggest trying this question with Sarracenia Northwest as they have more experience with the Highland and Ultra-highland species than I do.

Christopher