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Carnivorous Plants/Nepenthes
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Question
Hello Christopher,
I live in the UK, and for severeal years I have grown a specimen of Nepenthes alata in my study. A few weeks ago the leaves began to turn brown and die. At first I suspected a touch of frost damage, but the problem continues. It first appears as brown, slightly depressed spots on the leaf surface. Tissue death continues and extends, eventually absorbing and killing the leaf. The plant continues to grow, though new growth quickly becomes infected. Can you help or advise.
Many thanks.
Ian.
Hello Ian,
What kind of soil is the plant potted in? What kind of water and how much water is it getting? How much light does it receive? Has the plant been exposed to chemicals or fertilizers?
It sounds like it may be a fungal attack. Have you tried sulfur or neem oil based fungicides? Spray the leaves and soil around the plant with that, avoid copper based fungicides.
You might also want to ask Sarracena Northwest as they may have additional information as to what is affecting your Nepenthes.
Christopher
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Answers by Expert:
Christopher Littrell
Expertise
I am capable of answering questions about the most common carnivorous plants found in cultivation. I have no personal experience with Byblis, Drosophyllum, Aldrovanda, and Heliamphora. I have not cultivated gemmae forming pygmy sundews nor tuberous sundews. For information regarding those aforementioned species, I would suggest contacting other experts. I can answer questions regarding most species of Nepenthes, tropical and temperate Drosera, Mexican Pinguicula, Sarracenias, and Dionaea. I have some limited experience with growing Utricularia, Cephalotus, and Darlingtonia.
Experience
I have grown carnivorous plants off and on for about 27 years. I have made the same mistakes and suffered the same mishaps that many growers make as they attempt to separate the myths from the realities of growing these plants. Currently, I am successfully growing a variety of tropical sundews, a Nepenthes, several Venus Flytraps of varying ages, and Sarracenias. I have been successful in stratifying Sarracenia seeds and providing artificial dormancy requirements for my temperate plants when needed.
Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. Over my lifetime, I have constantly read books involving the growing conditions of carnivorous plants. I hope to incorporate the educational aspects involved in psychology with teaching other people how to cultivate carnivorous plants.
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