Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 9/25/2010

Question
Hi! I have a sick Nepenthes sanguinea in my care. I live in
McAllen, Texas and I grow it under shade in our patio with
occasional watering(There has been extremely waterlogged
conditions recently because of tropical storms that hit
here. The problem is that the plant has veins(as in leaf
veins, and its not the center line, it's like an entire
network of it all around the leaf, not good.), and yellowish
spotting. What shall I do? Right now the soil is semi-dry
since the storms have past, but I assume it's still pretty
wet in the center of the planter. The plant itself if 16in
tall with a basal, whom is also showing the same characteristics, too.

Answer
Hi Fernando,

Based solely on your description, I suspect there may be an issue with your soil.  You mentioned that the soil had been extremely waterlogged.  Ideally, the soil should drain freely, even in the presence of heavy rain.  If the pot was allowed to sit in water, there is increased risk for bacteria buildup due to lack of soil aeration.

You didn't mention anything about your lighting or the type of soil you're using, so I can't at all comment on what you're doing in this regard.  I also don't know if your plant is producing pitchers, which will also be a factor in assessing your plant's overall health.

Based only on the information you provided, the only recommendation I can provide is to change the soil as outlined in our care sheet.  I also recommend following the watering method that we outline as well.
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

I also recommend watching Volume 3 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series:
http://www.cobraplant.com/DVD

If you need further assistance, please write back with more information about your lighting, soil, watering method and water source.  If possible, please provide a photo of your plant.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin