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Carnivorous Plants/Sick ampullaria
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Question
Hey guys,
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So, last week, my friend and I decided to order some plants from an unnamed vendor. All of the plants came un-potted and, with the exception of two, looked rather sickly. This is especially true for the ampullaria we ordered. The day it arrived it already looked a bit thin, but two days later it looked almost totally withered, and still does. I read that ampullaria need pretty high humidity, so I thought maybe it had just collapsed from lack of. I decided to put a plastic zip-lock baggy over the pot with the top cracked open to raise the humidity, but even this doesn't seem to be helping that much.
Perhaps the soil is draining a bit too much? I used 1 part peat to 2 parts pumice and orchid bark, so I assume it isn't that. Thought about buying some long fiber sphagnum, but, surprisingly, the garden stores I've tried here in inner Portland don't seem to carry it.
Anyway, if you have any suggestions about how I might remedy this problem, please let me know. I'd really rather not have this plant die on me.
Thanks again,
Mat
Hi Mat,
The soil media your using should be fine. Nepenthes ampullaria being a true lowlander needs humidity and warmth. To have a chance with it you should put it in an enclosure with lights, where the temperature can be kept no lower than 70 degrees. Daytime temps. should be 80-90. A watering with Superthrive would help it's root system also. N. ampullaria is not a good windowsill plant.
This is also a situation where your friend should have contacted the vendor as soon as he got the plant if it was in bad shape.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
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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!
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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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