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Carnivorous Plants/no pitchers
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Question
Hi guys. I have a N. aristolochioides that seems to be growing quite well - leaves are developing, no discoloration that I can see. However, it hasn't produced any pitchers since I bought it last year. It sits in the same SW-facing window with all my other indoor Neps and cp's that are all producing normally. Do you have any suggestions on what I could try doing with it besides spraying with the weak orchid fertilizer? Maybe change potting media? It has been in the same 'soil' since before purchase.
I am also unsure about its particular growing conditions as the nursery that sold it didn't bother to provide anything but very general growing instructions unspecific to plant type (low, high, watering, etc.).
Thanks for your time and suggestions.
This species is an ultra highland Nepenthes. It likes mild days and cool nights. A hot day for this plant is 80°F. At night it likes it in the lower 50s to upper 40s. This plant is somewhat of a challenge to pitcher in the home. The only time we have seen it pitcher was during the winter months when we kept the plant in a west window, right next to the glass pane. It received a blast of sunlight in the afternoon, and experienced temperatures no higher than 70 during the day. At night, the temperature next to the plant was in the low 50s. Now that we're in spring and its a bit warmer, the plant has stopped producing pitchers. However, your message gave me an idea of putting the plant outdoors for the next month. Right now, our outdoor temperatures are similar to what the plant experienced in the windowsill during winter.
Some growers have resorted to using makeshift swamp coolers for their fussy highlanders. You can find information about making one Youtube. Use the keywords "DIY swamp coolers."
So your plant is healthy. It just isn't quite happy with the temperatures right now. Rajah, lowii, muluensis, villosa, izumiae, ephippiata and burbidgeae also fall into the same category - fussy highlanders.
Good growing!
Jacob Farin
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Answers by Expert:
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!
Experience
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.
No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.
Just the straight facts from guys who grow and propagate
thousands of carnivorous plants each year.
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