Pitcher Plant problem

[Greenthumb]

I have a very cute little pitcher plant. It has grown since I got it, but doesn't seem to be able to grow new pitchers. This is bad because the 2 pitchers it has are starting to die- so the plant will have no nourishment. Now, it starts to look like it's going to grow a new pitcher, but then the forming pitcher will turn brown & die. So, what do ya think?

peace
greenthumb

[Cailleach Dubh]

I have a fair bit of experience with pitcher plants, I have grown Nepenthes and Sarracenia (I forget the spelling of that) hybrids, and I have had this problem in the past. Sound like your plant is a Nepenthes and I'm fairly sure your problem is lack of humidity. Make sure the plant is in a humidity tray, i.e. standing on gravel or stones in a tray of water. If you have radiators, place a bowl of water above it. You might try misting the plant daily also. I hope you are not giving your poor plant tap water either! If you are desperate and the above doesn't work, try a large clear plastic bag placed loosely over the plant, ensure there is adequate airflow. This is only a short term solution as it promotes fungal growth and various rots, so be very careful.
Good luck.

[Greenthumb]

thanks! I actually have it outside in a hanger. I live in Florida, so the air is pretty humid most of the time. I buy bottled water for the poor dear as we have a water softner & am sure the salts would clog his poor roots right up. I am definitely going to put a tray underneath him though(i would have never thought of that)
How long does it actually take for them to grow a pitcher? If the remaining pitchers were to completely die before new ones were grown, should I fertilize? If so, with what?(can you tell i have no experience with this species?)

Thanks again
Greenthumb

[Cailleach Dubh]

If you have it outside (and I'm so jealous you can keep this plant outside at all) it probably IS a humidity problem, since they would normally inhabit rain forest type conditions. So try putting it on a water tray in still conditions. On the subject of bottled water, I take it that it is distilled water? Because the bottled drinking water is much too "hard". Distilled water is perfect for the job. Don't worry if the plant doesn't have pitchers for a while, it won't starve so long as the leaves are healthy. It may take a few weeks for a new one to form but they can live a very long time without pitchers. *Don't* be tempted to fertilise! Ever! They can take small quantities of certain organic fertilisers, but unless you really know what you are doing, just don't. The cheaper Nepenthes are usually hybrids and quite tough. Up the humidity level, keep moist at all times, and leave the plant alone, it should do the business eventually.

[Greenthumb]

Thanks so much! I will absolutely take your advise. Yes, I am fortunate to live in a semi-tropical environment. I get to grow many things outside year round that usually are considered house plants. I'm in gardener's paradise!


peace
Greenthumb