When and How Long?

[Acro]

A pitcher just opened on my N. maxima mini, and it got me wondering . . .

When should a pitcher be fed? Upon opening or after it starts to produce dew?

Also, how long will a pitcher function (digest and absorb nutrients)? I have a few, that have been open several months, and they still produce dew. If producing dew, does that mean they are still working?

 

[hcarlton]

A pitcher can be fed as soon as it opens. After all, in the wild at that point they are ready to catch prey. And a pitcher will continue digesting its catch so long as the lower half stays alive.

 

[Knuckles]

Even a pitcher that is half browning may still produce fluid that can capture insects. I have fed such pitchers & found prey to be digested some time later before drying. Some species have longer lived pitchers especially those with more firm & waxy leaves/pitchers from my experience.

I love maximas but not yet had the pleasure of growing a mini.

 

[hcarlton]

I have SG miniature maximas, once the mature I can find out how long the pitchers last...and I have another SG supposed "wavy leaf" whose pitchers last a very, very long time.