You may remember I posted a number a messages earlier this year regarding
the "Wilting Plant" problem I was experiencing with all my rubra ssps.
The plants would put up a new pitcher that would soon wilt and go
flacid. I couldn't explain the problem. A number of you suggested it
could be the water. I've always used rain water to water my plants.
However, with a very dry spring and summer, I used alot of tap water.
All my plants didn't seem to mind. However, my rubras started this
wilting thing.
After the search for bugs, bores, fungus etc, I made sure the only water
they got was rain water. Even if rain water was scarce, they got while
everyone else got tap water.
I'm happy to report that all the plants are fully recovered and
pitchering a beautiful fall crop of pitchers! :-)
I guess the reason why I'm writing this is to let new growers of
Sarracenia, and other CP that water is critical. All the literature I've
seen has endorsed the use of rainwater as the primary source of water for
CP. I agree! Collecting rainwater may be abit of an effort, however, it
is worth the extra effort! Your CP will thank you! :-)
Carl J. Mazur
CJMazur@freenet.hamilton.on.ca
Grimsby, Ontario Canada