Re: MAYDAY-Nepenthes in distress

Christopher Creel (ctcreel@top.cis.syr.edu)
Wed, 11 Jan 1995 00:21:28 -0500 (EST)

My guess is that the browning of the leaves is due to a extreme humidity
shift. Nepenthes are extremely sensitive to humidity shifts of more
than 10% in several minutes, I have found. They can adjust to most any
humidity given enough time, but need weeks to do it.

When the glass broke, the plants were subjected to a much lower humidity than
they were used to. Furthermore, when they were put back in to their new home,
they probably underwent another humidity shift.

Unfortunately, their is nothing that I know of to remedy the situation
now that the damage has been done. At the time of the accident, I would
have suggested immediately spraying the leaves with "Wilt-Pruf" or some
other form of wax coating designed to keep the leaves turgid.

Unless you are doing it already, you might want to hit the plants with a
stong solution of Superthrive (about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon). This will
lessen the stress the plants are going through.

Of course, the hypothesis that the fumes from the caulking are the culprit
is legitimate. But I don't have any experience with such stuff.

Chris