Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 7/24/2010

Question
Hello! Well, remember that you've said that it is nearly impossible that nepenthes can get sunburnt indoors? I think my one did. This is a very big nepenthes plant but I got it for a good bargain at one of my garden centres. The plants for sale were in shade so that might be the reason for a couple of the leaves to turn brown. Its not the older leaves but the middle ones, the new leaves or vines that faced the sun turned red. Is this a sign of sunburn as well? Should I move the plants? They are facing a northern window which receives the most light in the southern hemisphere. The new growth showed no signs of sunburn.

When the leave that faced the sun turned red/brown, are these the symptoms of sunburn? What should I do?

Thanks
     Francis

Answer
Hi Francis,

If you purchased a plant that was in heavy shade and it was put into a large, very sunny window you may have gotten some burn.  I can't tell form your description if you actually got burn spots (dead areas in the leaf) or they just reddened.  Since your new growth is looking normal the plant is probably fine.  Also, it depends on the species some as to how red leaves become.  A very common plant in the nursery trade, Nepenthes x Miranda, has red leaves when grown in adequate light.

If you had some that burned, just cut those off.  Newer leaves will be better adapted to the bright window and will look normal.  Good strong light will also help the plant to manufacture pitchers.

Good Growing!

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