Nepenthes – The Tropical Pitcher Plant or Monkey Cups have been fascinating botanists since they were first discovered in the 17thCentury. The leaf tips form a jug which contains digestive juices, this attracts its prey which fall in to the trap. Ranging in size from quite miniature fly catchers to gigantic specimens capable of devouring whole rats, the elaborate, decorative pitchers are a wonder to behold. There are over 160 different recorded species of Nepenthes, some of which prefer slightly different conditions, but most are sub-tropical jungle plants, naturally found in the upper reaches of the jungle canopy, so will prefer bright, indirect light, warmth and extra humidity.
They are fascinating and you`ll soon get the carnivorous plant bug, and want more.
Follow these tips for success.
Keep your Nepenthes in very bright light, but shaded slightly from intense Summer sun. Weak, leaves and poor colouration are a sign of too little light.
Warm daytime temperatures, 20-25c, and cooler nights around 12-15c are optimal for growth.
Nepenthes love humidity, so work well in a very bright, steamy bathroom or kitchen. Alternatively regular misting with harvested rainwater, or tap water that has stood for 24 hours, will benefit the plant.
Nepenthes are year round growers, although growth is slow in Winter, and like to be kept constantly moist. Water well once the top of the compost is just touch dry. Water the soil and not the traps, although check to see that there`s a slight amount of water, just a cm or so, in the bottom of each trap to help hydrate it during hot, dry spells. Collected rainwater is by far the best for your plant, or tap water that has been stood for 24 hours.
Just be aware that the amount, and frequency of water in Winter will be less, so don`t be too hasty if it takes a while between watering.
Nepenthes with generally feed themselves if there`s a natural amount of insects available. If you feel that there is a complete lack of food available, for any reason, then you can supplement their diet with a few freeze dried bloodworms, dead flies or wasps. Just a very few is enough, as they really should be catching what they need.
Fertiliser is not generally needed, as they take the nutrients they need from what they feed on, but a diluted foliar feed of 10% orchid fertiliser, approx. twice a month in Spring and Summer can boost growth. Don`t give any more than this, over fertilising can over promote leaf growth without traps.
Minimum Temp: 17c
Brown traps, or traps not forming is usually a sign of low humidity.
Repot approx. every 2-3 years, making sure to use nutrient free carnivorous potting mix only.
Remove old faded traps and brown leaves
Warnings: Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
