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Carnivorous Plants/Nepenthes
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Question
I had a general question concerning the growth of Nepenthes plants. One of the faster growing hybrids has a habit of losing the lower leaves very quickly causing the stem to brown after the leaf has yellowed and died off. It causes the Nepenthes plant to become very stalking which makes it difficult to keep as controlled house plant. I was wondering if there were any suggestions for slowing this process. I do not seem to have too little light as it readily produces leaves and pitchers. I have the plants growing under strong florescent lights during the winter and outside during the summer months. When the plant begins to get too high, I do "top" the vine and use root hormone to get it to take with general success.
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Hi Joel,
I'm afraid this is just the nature of the beast with this plant. It looks like a N.x deRoose's alata. It is a very viney grower and wants to climb. In nature plants like these would be going up the sides of trees to get more light in the canopy. If you are trying to keep it bushier you need to be more aggressive about cutting it back. I find we have to do that in the greenhouse or they become long and lanky very quickly, just like you're describing your plant is doing.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
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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!
Experience
With over 40 years of combined experience, Jeff and Jacob has definitely taken a straight forward approach to growing carnivorous plants. They have encountered many types of diseases, abnormal growth and infestations related to carnivorous plants, and they know what it takes to get plants looking beautiful and healthy again.
Education/Credentials
Authors of Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden and producers of the Grow Carnivorous Plants! DVD Series. They also produce a monthly video podcast to illustrate how plants cycle through the seasons.
No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.
Just the straight facts from guys who grow and propagate
thousands of carnivorous plants each year.
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