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Carnivorous Plants/Is this Raf sick?

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Expert: - 5/6/2011


Question

Discolored leaves and
Hello,
I purchased this N. Rafflesiana from a vendor I've never ordered from before and it has some odd things on it I've never seen before. I've attached photos. It has several discolored leaves like the one  in the first photo and another leaf that looks like it was chewed up. I currently have it on a different shelf from my other plants and I am wondering if it's sick or has some kind of pest infestation.

Answer
First and foremost, if you are ever concerned with the health of a plant that you received from a nursery, you should contact them immediately.  They should be aware of your concerns so they can respond in the most appropriate fashion.  They would also know how the plant was grown prior to shipping and would be in a better position to assist you.

Based on the photos alone, I'd say that your plant is relatively healthy.  The discolored leaf is normal for this species.  It's a lowland species and it dislikes fluctuating temperatures and humidity.  When exposed to wide temperature and humidity changes, the leaves will discolor.  Moreover, it is occurring only on the older leaves lower down on the plant, so age is also another factor.  It's natural for older leaves to discolor.  The newer growth has good color and texture, so this type of discoloration doesn't at all bother me.

Yes, one of the leaves looks like it may have been chewed up by a slug or similar critter.  They sometimes like to feast on new, developing leaves.  Not much you can do about that once it occurs. After it grows for a while and you have more leaves, you can cut it off if you're still bothered by its appearance.  As for the actual critter, it's likely long gone.

While it's not a plant I would have sent to a customer, it appears to be healthy with minor leaf imperfections.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin
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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.

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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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