Nepenthes Pitcher Plants

CARING FOR TROPICAL PITCHER PLANTS 

Nepenthes

Tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes species) are native to Southeast Asia. They typically grow as vines, scrambling ever higher to get better light. Some grow in the lowlands (warmer climates), and some grow in the highlands (mountainous climates that are cooler, especially at night). Nectar is produced by all parts of the plant, and appears to have an intoxicating effect upon insects, who feed greedily upon it. They are led by nectar and color trails down the underside of the pitcher's lid, into the slippery interior of the pitcher, landing at the bottom of the pitcher, where they are rapidly consumed by glands that secrete acids to dissolve them. Some plants can produce very large pitchers, capable of consuming frogs, rats, and birds! Not all insects and animals are trapped, however. Some drink water from the pitchers and sip nectar freely without becoming trapped.

Soil: Tropical pitcher plants need a loose, very well drained media. A good basic mixture is 1 part dried sphagnum moss, 1 part fine orchid bark, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite.

Water: It is best to use pure water such as distilled water, or rainwater that you collect. Tropical pitcher plants are more tolerant of the use of ordinary tap water than other carnivorous plants, but it is still best to use good water. Water the plant thoroughly when the potting media is just slightly dry. Allow excess water to drain; don't leave the plant sitting in water.

Pots: Plastic or clay pots can be used, but they must have drainage holes. Small plants can live in a 4" pot when young, then should be moved to a 6" or larger pot as they grow. They like to have something upon which to climb and attach their tendrils.

Location: Formerly considered strictly hothouse plants, many tropical pitcher plants do very well in a terrarium. Some species will grow on a windowsill, but generally their need for high humidity makes a terrarium more practical. Fluorescent lighting works well, provided the plants are within 8" 12" of the bulb. Or place the terrarium next to an east window (morning sun only). Nighttime temperature requirements vary: lowland species prefer 60 to 70 degrees. Highland species prefer 50 to 60 degrees. Keep your plants raised slightly off the bottom of the terrarium, so that they don't sit in excess water. Cover the terrarium loosely, and provide fresh air often by removing the top briefly. During the summer, lowland species will thrive outdoors in St. Louis heat and humidity, hung in bright shade, and watered when slightly dry, generally every day or two in a St. Louis summer. Highland species prefer to stay indoors in the air conditioning, provided they are in a terrarium to keep the humidity high.

Feeding: To feed your plant, place insects such as flies, crickets, sow bugs, or meal worms inside the pitchers. Dried insects are also good. Tropical pitcher plants respond well to fertilizing: use orchid fertilizer diluted to 25% of the usual rate, and spray it on the plant's leaves as foliar feed. Do not fertilize the soil. Fertilize once a month in summer, every other month in winter.

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