Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 14:47:43 -0400 (EDT) From: Perry Malouf <pmalouf@access.digex.net> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2876$foo@default> Subject: Tray method for Neps...
Steve Stewart wrote:
> ...my Nep's are outgrowing their "cage" and need to tranfer them to
> another location. I would prefer an open pot, but as RH factors can get
> lower than 25% here, was wondering if that was feasible. Does the tray
> method work for Nep's or do they need to be raised above the water line
> to keep from oversoaking?
By "tray method" I presume you mean keeping the Nepenthes pots in a
shallow tray that always has water in it, so the bottom 1" of the
pot is always in water.
If this arrangement is kept in the open, as opposed to kept in
a sealed enclosure, then it probably won't help the humidity
situation for the vegetative growth of the plant (working with the
25% RH you mentioned). This is especially true as the plant
gets larger and much of it grows well above the tray of water.
There is just too much dry air around there for the tray of water
to make a steady difference in the humidity around the plant. You
need an enclosure that'll maintain higher humidity.
Also, I don't like to keep my Nepenthes pots in shallow trays of
water. Keeping the roots waterlogged won't compensate for low
humidity around the upper part of the plant. In fact, I've found
that letting the potting media dry out a little between waterings
is better. It discourages slime formation and root rot.
Different Nepenthes species and hybrids have different relative
humidity requirements, that's for sure. And some people have
reported that their plants look just fine even though the plants
see humidity swings between 40% and 60% on a regular basis.
My experience has been different. I find that my plants look
their best if they get fairly constant humidity above 60% relative.
Good luck.
Regards,
Perry Malouf
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Tue Jan 02 2001 - 17:31:36 PST