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Strange rubra growth...

  • Thread starter MPHampel86
  • Start date
I have a few CPs growing outside on the fire escape. The others (three Fly Traps and one S. purpurea venosa) are doing amazingly. This S. rubra, on the other hand, has got me a bit puzzled. The first batch of pitchers produced were full and in great form. About a month later, they all slanted off to the side as the plant produced new growth. Now the pitchers aren't forming correctly - some are tiny, others aren't forming open funnels or full hoods, and one has even curled. Someone on a fb group suggested pest damage.

Also, can anyone confirm this as Sarracenia rubra ssp. rubra?

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Deformed pitcher growth usually indicates pests. Do you see any around the plant?
 
There are no visible pests on the plant or in the substrate. If they're there, they're unseen. Here are some shots that I had wondered if it was because of pests when they occurred. I wasn't sure if a bird or some other insect got to the pitchers or what happened.

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I am, however, seeing lots of Springtails in the pot and on the crown of the plant.
 
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Springtails are probably an indication of a problem rather than the cause of the problem. They live mainly off decaying material, algae etc.

You may consider changing the media which might be breaking down or something has gotten into it like earthworms.

S. rubra can be sensitive to root disturbance so go gently if you decide to change the media.
 
Looks like they got sprayed with fertiliser. I doubt that's what happened, but that's the only thing I can think of.
 
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