Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 11/6/2011

Question
I have a nepenthes copelandii that I've been growing for two years. It is currently in a south window in ur nepenthes mix. It receives around four hours of light per day.  I live in Oklahoma.The problem Is that it recently has been producing tiny pitchers because the lids of the pitchers have not grown as the rest of the pitcher expands and so the seal is broken and the pitcher is forced to open prematurely. The pitchers do color up but don't grow to full size and have miniature lids. This has happened to several of the plant's pitchers in a row. Why has this been happening and how do I stop it?

Answer
Hi Jonathan,

There's a strong possibility this has to do with the onset of winter and short days.  If that is the cause, the plant will stop making pitchers soon until the days begin getting longer again in the late winter/early spring.  Many Nepenthes will stop pitchering in the short days of winter.  Also, make sure your plant is not right next to a heat register so that hot dry air is not blowing on your plant.

Also check your plant for pests.  Thrips can can cause this also.  What you'll see is smaller than normal leaves, along with the deformed pitchers.  You may also see excessive nectar deposits on leaves.  Use a hand lens and look for small, long bugs on the plants.  If you see them, treat with a systemic insecticide.  Our podcast on safe insecticides for cp has more information on this.

Good Growing!

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