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Red Leaves on Nepenthes Miranda and Burkei: Normal or Problem?

Question

Nepenthes Miranda & bu Hi Jeff/Jacob, I have a question about two of the nepenthes that I ordered from you last month. As you can see in the attached photo (Miranda left, burkei right), the leaves have undergone a gradual change from green to red since I received them four weeks ago. At first I believed this to be a sign of good light with the Miranda (though the photos I've seen were never this deeply colored), but the spottiness on the older leaves of the burkei have me a bit worried.

Both are grown at a western exposure, but set back about 18" from the window so they receive less direct sun (about 2-8p) than my other CPs. I also have a 4-foot T5 54w fluorescent approximately 12" above the tops on 8a-10p. Temperature/humidity are about 85F/35% in sun and 70F/60% overnight. They're kept moist with watering every 3-4 days and misting at least twice a day. They lost their original pitchers shortly after arrival, but both are growing new leaves and pitchers as pictured.

Thanks in advance for your help. Chris

Answer

Both your plants look great. The red color is very normal for Miranda. They develop a beautiful suffused red in bright light. It's the N. maxima parentage coming out. The spotted older leaves on your burkei is of no concern. Many Nepenthes do this on older leaves. N. rafflesiana does it all the time, yet grows fine. As long as the new growth looks good, your doing well.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
https://www.cobraplant.com

Carnivorous Plants: Red-Brown Leaves on Nepenthes: Light Response, Not Disease; Red and Black Leaf Coloration on Nepenthes rafflesiana: Light Stress vs. Burn; Nepenthes jacquelineae and ventricosa Outdoors in Zone 9: Seasonal Temperature Management; Nepenthes Leaves Turning Black: Wrong Soil and Light; Nepenthes Red/Black Leaves in Terrarium: Soil Breakdown and Overwatering; Positive Signs: Red Leaves and Nectar on Nepenthes Under Increased Light; Nepenthes Ventricosa Turning Yellow in Bright Warm Conditions; Red Spots on Nepenthes Miranda: Sun Stress, Not Damage; Nepenthes Miranda Fertilizer: 20-20-20 Too Strong, Use Bugs Instead; Dividing a Nepenthes by Splitting the Stem: High Risk of Failure

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