Nepenthes ventricosa Sudden Browning in Zone 5: Freeze Damage Recovery

Tony's N. ventricosa (Zone 5) turned brown overnight—leaves, new growth, pitchers shriveled. Left on desk in cold room. Asks if temperature or dormancy.

Diagnosis: Freeze Damage

• Nepenthes have no dormancy; sudden brown = freeze.
• N. ventricosa shouldn't go below 50°F; 30s cause damage.

Recovery Attempt

1. Cut entire top off at stem (leave ~2″ above lowest dead leaves to expose dormant nodes).
2. Keep warm, bright.
3. Wait 2 months for basal shoots.
4. If nothing, it's gone.

Photo confirmed severe leaf damage; prognosis guarded.