Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 01:40:08 -0400 From: "Jason Ashley" <jasona@warwick.net> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2526$foo@default> Subject: RE: Largest Nepenthes and Caution with Yeast Cultures
Dave,
Your faith in me is inspiring but somewhat misplaced. I'm very new to
growing any kind of CP beginning my collection only this past June. My own
bical (Orlok--Not quite insane, I've only named this one--so far...) has a
total of 4 tiny leaves and no pitchers. I accidentally burned the leaves of
this and my other other two neps rather badly when I used a yeast culture to
add carbon dioxide to the terrarium and the yeast fermented and turned into
alcohol. The alcohol siphoned through the tubing from the culture into the
terrarium and puddled into the bottom of the tank. The smell was horrendous
and some of the alcohol splashed onto the leaves of the neps burning them
badly. I did, however, quickly remove the plants and scrub out the terrarium
and everything in it and flushed the pots thoroughly with pure water. Thank
the gods this happened in summer. The plants were able to go out on the
porch for a few days to recover in the hot and humid weather we've been
having. When this happened I was absolutely panic-stricken and terrified I
would lose my new neps. They have all recovered quite nicely and the burning
hasn't spread to the rest of the leaves. My stupidity was trying to do
something beyond my skills and without the proper equipment. Right now I
have to say, whoever said nepenthes thrive on neglect was absolutely right.
The more I ignore them the happier they seem. Keep 'em watered, a little
epiphytic fertilizer, and a constant environment and they'll live. They're
tougher than they look.
Thanks again!
Jason Ashley
Warwick, NY USA
Peace, love, empathy,
--The Mighty KC
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