Brown Patches on Nepenthes ampullaria: Temperature and Media

Brian's N. ampullaria 'Brunei Red × Harlequin' shows sunken, papery brown patches on leaves. Conditions: two 6400K CFLs, 70-80°F, 60-70% humidity, NZ long-fiber sphagnum, filtered tap water.

Expert Diagnosis: Too Cool, Too Wet

Jeff Dallas suspects media too wet combined with temperatures too low. N. ampullaria is a true lowlander wanting 80s to low 90s°F days. He's lost them kept in 50s-60s°F too long.

Fixes

• Increase temperature.
• Repot into coarser mix: add perlite and bark to sphagnum for rapid drainage.
• Don't let sit in water.
• Maintain constant 70-80% humidity.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com