Nepenthes question

[electric.chowder]

I got my nepenthes a few weeks ago (after seeing all of yours I had to have one myself) and I think he's finally getting used to living in my room. My question is though, most of the pictures are half dead, should I just cut them off? I don't think it would hurt the plant if I cut them off, but I just want to be sure.

Thanks!

[pikevi]

Welcome to the club,electric.chowder.

I have 5 of them and all had dried up pitchers and a few dried up leaves. I cut all of them off and they seem to be none the worse for wear.

Unless some others give you another advice I'd say you should cut them off at the end of the 'green'.

good luck.

[tom499]

This is a very interesting question. I've never had an answer to it, so i generally cut them off once they start to rot.

I've left a few on before, they are rather odd. The lid and the pitcher down to the top of the digestive shrivvels up, but the digestive section at the bottom doesnt. I've noticed this on ones I've cut off too, they go a gold colour eventually.

Almost like the plant either keeps the lower section to finish digesting the prey, or may be the digestive enzymes destroy and microbes which would normally cause the rotting process. They do rot eventually, just takes awhile.

So in answer to your question, I dont think it really matters, if the pitcher is empty, may as well cut if off, but if theres something in their could leave it.

Personal choice until otherwise