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Carnivorous Plants/Almost no roots on N. Maxima!

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Expert: - 4/28/2010


Question

Nep. Maxima
I recently ordered a Nepenthes Maxima from Black Jungle Terrarium Supply and unfortunately I was very, very upset over the condition my plant arrived in.  The leaves seemed dry and rough, with no indications vigor health in the plant.

After acclimating it to my growing conditions I decided to replant it due to the poor draining potting mix it came in.  After carefully cutting away the plastic pot and slowly removing excess soil I was horrified to discover there were practically no roots!  There was only a small tuberous growing point similar to a rhizome.  

I quickly planted it in some nep. soil mix I ordered from Sarracenia NW in the past (50/50 long sphag/perlite).  I watered it with distilled water and made sure the new soil was completely moist.  Now what do I do?  Is there hope for my Maxima or should I start arranging the funeral?

It's growing indoors under 10,000+ lumen, full spectrum fluorescent tubes with average daytime temperatures of ~77 degrees and ~68 degree nighttime temps with daily misting.

Answer
Hi Andy,

Since your plant is in fairly good shape still, you have a good chance of getting it to root, and it sounds like it has hints of roots.  I guessing what may have happened is that the plant was previously too wet and the roots rotted out.  Nepenthes also have very delicate roots that break off easy.

Since you've already repotted it, water it with a solution of Superthrive.  Superthrive has a rooting hormone it it, so it will encourage further root production.  Also cover the plant with a transparent cover, such as a big ziploc bag, to slow down the transpiration.  You'll need to give the plant time to grow new roots, so you need to cut down on the water loss.  Give it about a month.  If you're seeing new growth, you're probably getting root growth.  At that time slowly harden the plant off removing the cover a little at a time by poking holes in it.  Do that over the course of about two weeks, gradually increasing outside air flow.  After that you should be able to remove the bag.  A preventive fungicide spray would be a good idea also since the plant will be in an enclosure.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

Sarracenia Northwest

Expertise

If your plant is showing poor growth, discoloration, abnormal leaves or possible infestation, the growers at Sarracenia Northwest can help! Carnivorous plant experts Jeff Dallas and Jacob Farin will help you diagnose the problem and get your plants on the right track. Their no nonsense approach has helped thousands of growers all over the world. They can help you too!

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