Expert: Joan Avila - 4/24/2007

Question
hihi..

I really need help.  I bought a new Pinguicula moranensis (Mexican Butterwort)from a nursery garden and i saw a dead leave (completely tried out) at the bottom of the good carnivorous leaves.  Should I be concerned?  

Also.. should i wait for the media to try out a bit before watering.. am i correct or?.. I put a tray underneath the pot and put the whole thing on top of the pebbles with water in a deep saucer, would that be alright or on a humidity tray.. would it be enough humidity?  

The next question that i am very concerned is.. i saw an insect on the carnivorous leave on the sticky part.. I saw some whitish mold around the dead insect on the carnivorous leave... should i be concerned about? and as well.. i accidentally wet the leave and i tried to dry out with a tissue .. and i didn't know it was the sticky part.. did i kill the plant already?  I hope not..

My last question is... i would like to put a carnivorous plant in my bedroom.  I live in the basement where only one beg window... facing North.. but the plant is far away from the window would the house light be ok for the plant? I work from 7-4pm and normally i will be home by 7/8 pm.. would the plant survive in the dark (not sufficient indirect light)when i'm not at home and have maybe 4 - 5 hours of house light?

Please let me know thanks.

Amy


Answer
You should not be concerned. Especially if it was at the bottom. Trim it of carefully and everything should be fine.

Sorry, can't answer your second question.

Remove the insect from the leaf with tweezers. The white stuff is fungi ans will kill the leaf. You did not kill the plant because of the accident. Just leave it alone and will than produce more sticky liquids.

The plant should do fine plus you actually gave the time correct! The plant is fine in 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight.

If you have more questions, contact me again.