
How do you identify Nepenthes?
- mostly upper pitchers.
- pitchers that are pretty evenly red-orange all over (or gradiations to green if grown in the shade)
- pitchers that are bulbous at the bottom and narrow at the neck.
- narrow green leaves.
What is the scientific name for Nepenthes?
Fossil pollen of various provenance, much of it originally described under the form taxon Droseridites, has been tentatively assigned to Nepenthes by several authors. The following three species were transferred to the genus Nepenthes by Wilfried Krutzsch in 1985.
What is the maximum height of Nepenthes?
^ Nepenthes surigaoensis may grow as high as 1750 m ("5750 feet" in the original) according to the describing author, Adolph Daniel Edward Elmer. ^ Cheek & Jebb (2001) give an upper altitudinal limit of 2750 m for N. tobaica.
What is the new Nepenthes ceciliae?
Nepenthes ceciliae, a new pitcher plant species from Mount Kiamo, Mindanao. In: McPherson, S.R. New Nepenthes: Volume One. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole. pp. 412–423. ^ a b c d e Catalano, M. 2010. Nepenthes chang M. Catal. sp. nov. In: Nepenthes della Thailandia: Diario di viaggio. Prague. p. 38.
Is Nepenthes gantungensis a carnivore?
^ a b c d e McPherson, S., J. Cervancia, C. Lee, M. Jaunzems, A. Fleischmann, F. Mey, E. Gironella & A. Robinson 2010. Nepenthes gantungensis (Nepenthaceae), a new pitcher plant species from Mount Gantung, Palawan, Philippines. In: S.R. McPherson Carnivorous Plants and their Habitats.
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How do I know what pitcher plant I have?
Perhaps the most reliable way to identify the Pitcher Plant is by looking for a rosette of tubular leaves growing around the base of the flower stalk. The leaves are up to eight inches long. They vary in color from reddish-green (with purple veins) to purple to purplish red.
What is the difference between Nepenthes and pitcher plant?
Nepenthes, also called tropical pitcher plant or monkey cup, genus of carnivorous pitcher plants that make up the only genus in the family Nepenthaceae (order Caryophyllales). About 140 species are known, mostly native to Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
What Nepenthes look like?
Nepenthes species usually consist of a shallow root system and a prostrate or climbing stem, often several metres long and up to 15 m (49 ft) or more, and usually 1 cm (0.4 in) or less in diameter, although this may be thicker in a few species (e.g. N. bicalcarata).
How can you tell the difference between lowland and highland Nepenthes?
highland neps occur higher on mountains and lowland grows lower on mountains.
How does pitcher plant look like?
Pitcher plants are shaped like vases, or pitchers, and resemble flowers in look and smell. Pitcher plants color, nectar and scent lure in and trap insects.
How many species of Nepenthes are there?
170 speciesTaxonomy. About 170 species of Nepenthes are currently recognised as valid. This number is increasing, with several new species being described each year.
How long does it take a pitcher plant to grow a new pitcher?
Keep the cutting moderately moist. In six months or more, the plant will develop a classic pitcher form. Propagating pitcher plants in this way is quite easy, but you have to watch the cutting for any signs of fungus or rot.
How big can a Nepenthes grow?
Nepenthes. Attenborough's pitcher plant (N. attenboroughii), is the largest carnivorous plant, reaching up to 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) tall. Its pitchers are 30 cm (11.8 inches) in diameter and are able to capture and digest rodents and other small animals.
Are Nepenthes endangered species?
Not extinctTropical pitcher plants / Extinction status
What is an intermediate Nepenthes?
Intermediate. Some species and most hybrids are considered intermediate growers. These plants are cozy right between lowland and highland temperatures. Day time temps between 80-85 F and nights in the 60's seem to work well for this group. We find that most Nepenthes can be successfully grown in these conditions.
Do you need to feed Nepenthes?
Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes, Sarracenia, & Cephalotus) Pitcher Plants are probably the easiest carnivorous plants to feed. During their active growing season, drop bugs, fish food, or fertilizer pellets in a few of the pitchers every 2-3 weeks.
Is Nepenthes alata highland or Lowland?
lowlandNepenthes alata naturally grows from sea level up to about 6,200 ft (1,900 m), but it's sweet spot is below 4,600 ft (1,400 m). Technically, this makes it mostly a lowland plant, but it's also tolerant of highland conditions, so it's a bit of an intermediary grower.
Extant species
The following undescribed taxa are taken from Pitcher Plants of the Old World and its supplementary volume, New Nepenthes, published in 2011.
Extinct species
Fossil pollen of various provenance, much of it originally described under the form taxon Droseridites, has been tentatively assigned to Nepenthes by several authors. The following three species were transferred to the genus Nepenthes by Wilfried Krutzsch in 1985.
Scientific Name
Nepenthes is, in fact, the scientific name of this plant (derived from its higher classification – Nepenthaceae). It is more commonly known as the Tropical Pitcher Plant.
Different Types
Over 170 different Nepenthes plants are identified, with several new species joining the list every year! Some of the most common ones include Nepenthes alata, Nepenthes mirabilis, Nepenthes attenboroughii (named after Sir David Attenborough, and Nepenthes ventricosa.
What Soil Works Best for a Nepenthes Plant?
Nepenthes plants can thrive in many potting/garden mixes as long as they are porous (for adequate drainage). The only catch? These mixes need to be low on nutrients.
How Much Sun Does a Nepenthes Plant Need?
If you’re not sure of the plant variety, it is best to keep the plant under bright but indirect supplemental lighting. If you keep the plant near a window, avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Intense sunlight can be harmful to the plant.
What Temperature Works Best for Nepenthes Plants?
Indoor Pitcher Plants usually prefer warm temperatures between 65 and 80 F. Highland species like Nepenthes Villosa require cooler nights (around 55-60 F), whereas Lowland species require warmer temperatures reaching up to 95 F. These species are usually easier to grow and thrive between 75-90 F.
Do Nepenthes Plants Enjoy Humidity?
Nepenthes plants usually thrive in conditions with high humidity. They can tolerate low humidity to an extent, but they will wilt away if they’re made to do this too long. Terrariums, Greenhouses, or even tents made from clear plastic bags can help generate ideal humidity levels (around 60%) for your Nepenthes.
How Often Should You Water a Nepenthes Plant?
Nepenthes plants need watering often. Watering should occur overhead until the soil is moist. Once the plant receives water, make sure the excess water drains out of the pot. While these plants enjoy moist, loamy soils, their roots can rot when there is too much water.

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- Discover the optimum night & day temperatures of all 160 species of Nepenthes and calculate the requirements of unusual hybrids with my Nepenthes Interactive Guide.
Growing Sarracenia?
- For help with cultivation, or to discover where pitcher plant species grow naturally, check out my complete guide.
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