Tropical Pitcher Plant Nepenthes

Nepenthes is a genus of tropical carnivorous plants that are members of the Nepenthaceae family and have 197 accepted species. These plants are native to Seychelles, Madagascar, Southeast China to Tropical Asia and the Western Pacific. Plants of this genus feed on insects and other small prey and are shallow rooted vines that spread across the ground or climb trees. Some species are found in warm and humid lowlands of peat swamp forests or in mountain areas that are warm during the day but have cooler temperatures at night. These plants were collected in the 17th century and were named by Carl Linnaeus. The genus name, Nepenthes, is Greek and means "banishing pain or sorrow." In Homer's Odyssey, Nepenthes, was a potion given to relieve sorrow. These plants became popular in Europe and were often found in conservatories. The plants almost disappeared in the 1940s, but in the 1960s, there was some renewed interest. Currently, most plants purchased are hybrids and are propagated from tissue culture or cuttings.

These plants require warm temperatures and high humidity. Lowlands species prefer temperatures between 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and the highland species prefer temperatures 75 to 85 degrees in the daytime and low 60s at night.  They do best grown in a greenhouse where the temperature and humidity levels can be maintained. They prefer bright light and thrive in sphagnum moss or orchid mix with the addition of peat and perlite. The soil should be moist but well-drained with an acidic pH. Carnivorous plants are not able to tolerate garden soil as potting medium nor watering with tap water. Distilled water or rainwater should be used.  If insects are not available these plants can be fed by using an organic fertilizer during the growing season. They do not digest protein and should not be feed meat. Initially, Nepenthes are slow growers, but once they are established they will start to vine and their growth is more rapid. 

The leaves are green and lance-shaped. The midrib extends beyond the leaf and becomes as long as the leaf and is known as a tendril. At the tip of the tendril the pitcher develops. The lowland pitcher plants tend to have larger and colorful pitchers that may be striped or speckled with red, pink, yellow or green. They also have two wings or "ladders" along the front of the pitcher that entices crawling insects. The pitcher plants found in mountainous or highland areas are smaller, more delicate, less colorful, and do not have the two wings or "ladders". They tend to collect flying insects. The lid of the pitcher plant acts as a landing site for the flying insects, and it also keeps rain water from entering the pitcher that could dilute the digestive fluid. These plants have a taproot and somewhat brittle root system. 

Consider one of the easy to grow hybrids in a terrarium or kitchen window to start your carnivorous plant collection. They are also attractive in a hanging basket, hanging pot, or on a plant stand. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and scale insects. Poor air circulation can cause fungal diseases. If the humidity is too low, the traps or pitchers will not develop properly or will die back.