Question

Nepenthes root   I bought a Nepenthes izumea x ramispina online and when I unpacked it the roots fell of. Do you know how I can get the roots to regrow?
I am currently using 1 part:perlite, 1:part peat moss, 1:part coconut fibre, 1:part spaghnum moss to 2:parts orchid bark. I am also using rain water to water the plant. I live in Victoria, Australia.

Thank you,
Eamon.

Answer
Hi Eamon,

The first thing I would do is contact the nursery you bought this plant from and let them know about this.  If all you did was unwrap the plant and the roots fell off it may have been handled too rough when un-potted, or it was being grown too wet and had some rot beginning.

If you keep the plant, you can do a few things to help it re-grow it's roots.  Your potting medium will be great.  If you can find it in your area, water the plant with a solution of Superthrive, or another vitamin B-1 product.  This will encourage new root formation.  You will need to keep your plant very humid for a time.  Some type of enclosure to maintain humidity might be needed, and you should keep it in bright light, but not full sun.  Artificial light makes this easier.  It will take around 2 months, but once you see new growth starting on the plant, you probably are getting root development.  At that point you can begin hardening the plant off to be where you might normally grow your Nepenthes.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com