Yellow Leaves on New Nepenthes ventricosa: Normal Aging

Katie's new N. ventricosa developed yellow leaves with dark spots under filtered light (grape arbor). She watered once, kept soil moist. Confused because she'd read yellowing means too much sun.

Old Leaves Die Naturally

Those are just older leaves senescing—cut them off. Healthy new leaves on N. ventricosa often look yellowish when getting enough light. Her window likely provides too little light; Nepenthes aren't shade plants. Glass blocks UV, so "full sun through a window" isn't true full sun.

Watering Tip

Keep soil moist but don't let the pot sit in standing water long-term—unlike Sarracenia or sundews, Nepenthes prefer drainage.

Follow-Up: Photo Confirms

Katie moved it to a sunnier window and sent a photo. Yellow leaves at 5 and 10 o'clock are definitely old growth. Just trim them. As the plant ages, it develops a woody vine with leaves dying from the bottom up.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com