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Carnivorous Plants/Nepenthes leaf changes
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Question
This Nepenthes bicalcarata has been in a large indoor terrarium for about 9 months. It has been fine until 2 weeks ago when its leaves started to turn black. Even the brand new leaves are starting to darken. It's been under fluorescent lights (T5 blue/red spectrum) and watered with only distilled water. It's planted in sphagnum moss, peat moss, perlite, and charcoal in proportions recommended by "The Savage Garden".
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I live in Vancouver, WA. Do you know why the plant has developed what looks like a fungal infection on it's leaves and what should I do about it? Thanks!
Hi Reggie,
It looks like your soil is too wet, combined with possibly too much peat moss in the mix. Nepenthes mix needs to drain freely, and the plants shouldn't sit in water for any length of time. A little water in the bottom of a tray isn't a big deal, but if they remain very wet the way you might do for a Sarracenia, it is a disaster for Nepenthes.
Repotting the plant would be a good idea, and use a bit less peat in the mix. I would cut the quantity in half.
What temperatures has the plant been at? N. bicalcurata should not be below 70 degrees otherwise that could be the source of some of your problems too. They are a true lowlander wanting it hot and humid.
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!
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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.
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