Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 5/11/2010

Question
I was hoping you could help me with a question concerning one of my Cephalotus plants. The plant in question I have had for several years and has been growing well but this growing season some of its non carnivorous leaves are turning yellow at the tips and then spreads until the whole leaf dies back. I have not been too concerned since the plant has made several new growing points and continues to make new leaves since coming out of dormancy but I was wondering if you experienced the same thing or if you may know what is causing this.

Answer
Hi David,

I see this on our mother plants.  As long as you see new pitchers forming, it's not a problem at all.  The non-carnivorous leaves have a shorter life span than the pitchers.  It's normal for them to die off in spring time.  If your plant is still producing non-carnivorous leaves, however, make sure the lighting is strong.  Your plant should be making pitchers right now.  The non-carnivorous leaves mostly occurs when lighting decreases, such as in fall and winter.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin