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| Hi everyone here on the forums, this is my first post, and I have just a few questions I was hoping maybe a few of you could answer.
My first question is just a simple one andd that is on fertilizing Nepenthes, mine being an N. Ventricosa. I have been reading that I should use 1/4 strength solution. So does that mean 1/4 of the already diluted orchid fertlizer. They say 1/4 tbsp to 1 gallon, so is that okay? Or should I take 1/4 of that being 1/8 tablespoon. Secondly, how can I tell the maturity of my Ventricosa, or any of my plants really. I suppose I focus specifically on the nep because I would really like to see it flower, but I have read it doesn't flower for a while. Is there really any way of making an educated guess by looking at it? Lastly, I am mainly still confused about Upper vs. Lower pitchers. I have read a few other posts relating to this, but I have not found exactly the answer I am looking for, but forgive me if any of these questions are repeats.
Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading, hopefully at least 2/3 questions can be answered XD Thanks,
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Here is a link that might be useful: My N. Ventricosa Pic
Follow-Up Postings:
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| With Neps you use 1/4 of the strength recommended on the label. Put some of that mix in a SPRAY BOTTLE and lightly spray the LEAVES ONLY. Every 2 weeks until pitchers form. It is only used to help start pitcher growth in the spring. Second question I am not sure of so I will beg off that one. I'll beg off the 3rd as well. Age may play a part in number 3. I am not sure though. |
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| Thank you for the quick response tommyr. I wasn't aware that the fertilization was only for the starting of pitchers. My plant already has two fully grown pitchers, and three more starting up so I guess by that logic I shouldn't even bother with the fertilizer. Is there any benefit at all to fertilizing the plant, even if pitchers are already forming? |
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| for the record . . . 1/4 strengh of 1/4 Tbsp is 1/16 Tbsp . . . 1/8 Tbsp is half strength. Carolyn |
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| There's really no way to tell how old the plant is because it could be a cutting of a cutting of a cutting and could be older than you are now. Those are lower pitchers and upper pitchers of a ventricosa will look much different. The top of the pitcher should look more like a toilet bowl. The plant will have to start vining before it gets uppers. Usually if grown in favorable conditions and not topped for cuttings this could happen somewhere around 5-7 years old. Here's a link to a pic of ventricosa upper from dangerousplants.com http://www.dangerousplants.com/photos/ventric.jpg |
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| Hah, thanks for the correction carolyn, my mistake XD. And thanks taz, that's very helpful. Now that I think of it I have seen those kinds of pitchers on the N. Ventricosa, I guess i just didn't realize they were the uppers. I suppose I'll just have to play the waiting game as far as flowering goes then. I appreciate it taz, thank you. |
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