Basal Shoot Dieback After Cutting Nepenthes Vine & Harvesting Pygmy Sundew Gemmae

Nicole's unknown Nepenthes (3 ft vine, few leaves) produced a basal shoot. After basal leaves reached 2.5″, vine looked dead, so she cut it 1″ above basal. Basal then started dying. Also asks when pygmy sundew gemmae are ripe.

Basal Dieback Mystery

• Common on N. ventricosa/truncata—vine sacrifices, basal takes over.
• Cutting vine usually stimulates basal; here basal declined. Possible soil or temperature issue.
• If vine looks doomed, take a cutting before it dies to salvage genetics.

Gemmae Ripeness

Gently poke with pencil; if they fall off easily, they're ready. If they resist, wait.

Snow Update

Jeff Dallas: "I'll take our torrential rain over upstate NY snow!"