Of all the choices you make with a pitcher plant, the water you use matters most. Nepenthes evolved in nutrient-poor conditions and their roots are easily damaged by dissolved minerals.
What TDS means
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of how much mineral content is in water, shown in ppm on an inexpensive pen meter. Many Indian tap and borewell supplies are hard and carry hundreds of ppm, enough to slowly burn roots and leave white crusts on the media.
Good water sources
- Rainwater: usually the best; collect it in clean containers away from roofs with metal or heavy dust.
- RO water: works well. Use water from a unit with low output TDS, and check it with a meter.
- Distilled water: fine but expensive for a larger collection.
As a working rule, aim for water well under 100 ppm, and lower is better for sensitive plants.
How to water
- Water from the top until it runs out of the drainage holes, so salts are carried out.
- Keep the medium damp, never bone dry and never sitting in stagnant water.
- Top up pitchers sparingly with the same clean water if they dry out.
If salts have built up
Flush the pot with plenty of clean water, letting it drain freely. If leaf tips are browning and crusts are visible, flush two or three times and consider repotting into fresh medium.
New plants arrive ready for good care. See our assorted collection, and read about the right potting mix for Nepenthes.