Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 1/3/2011

Question
I have a fairly large N. x ventrata that has been growing well for over a year and a half now, and has grown to be nearly 2 feet in diameter and 1 1/2 feet in length. Recently, though, it halted growth for a few weeks, and when it began growing again, it has become very slow and the leaves are small. I was moving my plants around yesterday, and the plant became dislodged from the pot. as I went to reposition it in the pot, I discovered that the underground section had become completely devoid of roots. Might you know what could have caused this, and how I might be able to help the plant regrow the roots and get back on track?

Answer
Hi Hawken,

This is classic root rot.  It sounds like the soil may have been kept too wet for too long a period of time.  This would explain the sudden decline.  Nepenthes like moist soil, but should never sit in water they way you would do for Sarracenia.

If the top of the plant is still alive, and you have a few roots, repot it.  Some rooting hormone on the stem would be of benefit also.  After that, keep the soil just moist to the touch, but don't allow water to stand in the tray for more than a day.  After that give the plant a couple of months.  You probably won't see much recovery until spring when the days get longer.

If the roots are completely gone, you'll need to re-root the stem, which is essentially taking a stem cutting.  Information on how to do this along with complete care information can be found in our volume #3 DVD:  http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=38&products_id=257

Good Growing!

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