Expert: Christopher Littrell - 10/28/2007

Question
I have had the above plant outside all summer. Very hot and humid in
Windsor
Ontario.  I have just brought it in to a heated sun porch which has West light.  
My question is, am I suppose to prune this plant back to a few inches above
the
soil level?  It has tripled in size in one season and is in a very tiny hanging
pot,
maybe an 8 in. pot.  Each stem or shoot has grown 15 to 20 inches this
summer
and seems quite healthy, but now that its in the house ........what do you
think?  Will it be hard on the plant growing in such a small pot if I don't do
anything to it except water and mist it.  And can I set it in wart in the dish
pan when I go on vacation for 2 weeks  in Dec.  Thanks in advance  for your
help.

Answer
Hello Cathie,

Good going with your Nepenthes alata.

If the plant is getting too out of control you can prune it back, however; make sure to leave enough vine and leaves (probably more than a few inches) for the plant to photosynthesize with as Nepenthes tend to lose leaves near the base of the vine, so you might have a long section of bare vine if you cut too short. When you prune, clip the vines into sections about like you would with an ivy and you can root them and make more plants. Pruning will increase the number of new vines that grow out at the base of the plant, giving it a bushy appearance.

Nepenthes have rather short root systems in general, however; next time you repot the plant, something you should do each year to freshen the soil and revitalize the plant, check the root size and decide what size pot you will need. If you are using an 8 inch pot, you will be unlikely to require a larger pot for a while.

Nepenthes roots can rot when left in standing water trays. If you are leaving for two weeks you will need to arrange care for the plant with a helpful family member or neighbor if possible. It is possible to leave a small amount of water, less than 1/4 inch, in a tray under a Nepenthes for a few days so long as the plant is in a tall pot, however; 1/4 inch will not last for but a couple of days.

Keep up the great care with your Nepenthes,

Christopher