Diagnosing Nepenthes Death from Root Rot: Pebble Tray Misuse

A grower (John) watered Nepenthes regularly but once water stood in tray; plant turned dry brown. Photos show browned plant and growing area (rocks in tray, high shelf).

Jeff Dallas: Standing water tray = root rot. Once leaves wilt, usually too late. Rocks in tray ≠ proper pebble tray (which elevates pot above water for humidity). References orchid pebble tray video.

Follow-up: John clarifies tray was for drainage catch, not humidity. Plant seemed dry despite moist soil. Asks for September replacement recommendation. Dallas suggests N. × 'deRoose's alata' (very adaptable). Notes growing shelf is high in window—lower stand would increase light.

Classic Nepenthes error: treating like bog plants. Top-water, free drainage, no standing water. Shelf height matters—light intensity drops sharply with distance.