Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 5/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi, ok

well the problem with the Heliamphora was that they got over two weeks to get to my house after they sent them from Germany. The plants looke fine (or that's what I thought) except for one of them, which looked dehydrated. After days passed, The plants first stayed the way they were at the begining but then they got worse.

That is probably the healthiest Heliamphora. I'm providing nights under 15°C and a few hrs of direct morning sun.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Alonso,

Thank you for the information.  This is very helpful.  The dehydration you see is a sign of root stress, most likely from the shipping process.  For this reason, we never ship Heliamphora bare root.  They dislike root disturbance, and it takes them a long time to recover.

To prevent further dehydration, cover each plant with a clear plastic cup or clear plastic bag.  You will essentially create a humidity dome for the plant.  This will help prevent moisture loss through the leaves while you give the roots time to recover.  It may take a couple months, so you will have to be very patient.

If you have SuperThrive available in your region (or any root stimulant), water your plants with it.  Follow the directions provided by the manufacture.

Keep the plants away from direct sunlight.  Provide only strong fluorescent lighting as indicated on our care sheets:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

This is the only method that will revive your plants.  If they die during this process, then you know that the roots were too stressed and weren't able to recover.  If after two months the plants are still alive and you see new growth, you can then start acclimating them to lower humidity.  You can review that process on our DVDs.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok thanks, that was very helpful. As to the root stimulant, is that root hormones? how much should I use of them?
Could I grow them inside with just some morning sun filtered by glass? I don't have any artifitial lights, acctually I don't have too much space inside.

Thanks, Alonso

Answer
You'll need to use your own judgment about sunlight if you choose not to use artificial lights.  The main point is to avoid over heating the plants.  Yes, root stimulants often contain root hormones.  Since products vary by concentration, you'll need to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.