Nepenthes Stems Turning Brown at Base: It's Bark, Not Death

Brown, desiccated lower stems on your Nepenthes? Normal woody maturation.

What's Happening

• Nepenthes are woody vines.
• Lower stems develop bark as they age.
• Basal shoots emerge—new growth point.
• Main vine may eventually die back (species-dependent).

When to Worry

Only if upper growth declines. Send a full-plant photo if unsure.

Resources

• Photo gallery: cobraplant.com/gallery
• DVD Volume 3 (Nepenthes): cobraplant.com/DVD