Expert: Christopher Littrell - 2/19/2010

Question
I have two pitcher plants for nearly three years, all the pitchers died off about two months ago and no new pitchers have formed.

Both plants are in the same position with good sun light. What would cause this problem?

Also, The plants are keep very moist to wet is this correct?

Thanks

Greg

Answer
Hello Greg,

Nepenthes can suffer from loss of pitchers for several reasons.

You indicated that both plants are in good sunlight, but are they indoors or outdoors? Has there been a humidity change from climate or air conditioning or even a change in rooms or conditions for several hours to days at one time? Has the temperature changed drastically recently? Have the plants been exposed to chemicals or fertilizers on their leaves? Were the plants capturing insects in their pitchers at least occasionally?

Nepenthes like their soil moist all the time, never too dry, never too wet. If the soil is too dry they begin to wilt, if too damp, they may suffer root rot. The way to counter this is with frequent watering and potting in fast draining mix composed of sphagnum peat and orchid bark in a 1:1 ratio or even 1:1:1 ratio or the previous two materials plus coconut husk. Ensure that none of the potting materials are fertilized or chemically/salt treated as those can harm and kill your plants. Make sure to never allow water to build up in a tray under the pot for more than a few hours or a day at most.

Send me a followup on some specific conditions and possible environmental changes that may have occureed within the last couple of months so we can determine what is occurring with your plants' pitchers.

Christopher