Encouraging Basal Shoots in Nepenthes: Pruning, Cuttings, and Rooting Hormone Options

A grower with a vining Nepenthes sanguinea wanted to induce basal shoots before cutting it back. They also asked which cutting method from the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD volume 3 is best for beginners without access to liquid rooting hormone.

Jeff Dallas advised: cut just above a node to activate dormant buds—leave several healthy leaves, don’t cut too low. Basal shoots aren’t guaranteed. For cuttings, use sphagnum moss under a humidity dome with fluorescent lights for fastest strikes. Don’t cut leaves in half (updated from DVD). Powdered rooting hormone (e.g., Rootone) is widely available at garden centers; hydroponic stores carry more options. Harden off rooted cuttings gradually.