Asian Pitcher Plant Yellowing Leaves in Rock Garden: Normal Aging or Root Waterlogging?

A 2-year-old Nepenthes on pumice rock in a water tray showed bottom-up yellowing. The grower wondered if a nearby hermit crab (!) was the cause.

Most Likely: Natural Leaf Senescence

• Nepenthes **shed lower leaves** as they age and vine.
• Shorter fall days accelerate this.
• New growth looks healthy? Then all is well.

Possible: Root Waterlogging

• If roots grow into standing water, they asphyxiate.
• Rock gardens need **only enough water to hydrate the rock** (½-1 inch in tray).
• Sundews volunteering on the rock = good sign.

Hermit Crab?

Zero effect. Pure coincidence.

Send a photo for a definitive assessment.