The types of carnivorous plants that exist
- Drosera. The drosera carnivorous plant, also known as “sun dew”. ...
- Nepenthes. Nepenthes are plants found in tropical areas. ...
- Cephalotus follicularis. Carnivorous plants Cephalotus follicularis are small but deadly to their victims ...
- Saracenia. ...
- Dionaea muscipula. ...
- Drosophyllum. ...
- Pinguicula grandiflora. ...
- Darlingtonia californica. ...
- Aldrovanda vesiculosa. ...
What is a Nepenthes?
The Interactive Guide. Nepenthes - also known as tropical pitcher plants or monkey cups - have been inspiring awe in botanists since they were first discovered by Europeans in the 17th century. With their dazzling colours and elaborately decorative traps, the plants seem to flaunt their carnivory with pride.
What are tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes)?
So, what are Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes) and where do they grow? Nepenthes are large climbing carnivorous plants with more than 200 known species. They grow large in sizes, and hang as vines with large pitchers.
Can Nepenthes be transplanted?
Yes, transplant your Nepenthes every 3-4 years. Use fresh soil, trim the old roots and stems. And move the plant to larger container if it has outgrown it. Thank you for reading this article! Check out our other guides on growing and caring for carnivorous plants.
What kind of soil do Nepenthes like?
But the soil for Nepenthes should be acidic, light, airy and not soggy. Some Nepenthes grow in sand and alkaline soil. In the natural habitat, Tropical Pitcher plants’ soil is kept wet by rainfalls and fogs. Their soil should be poor in nutrients, because they feed on insects to compromise for this disadvantage.
Is Nepenthes a carnivorous plant?
Plants belonging to the genus Nepenthes are carnivorous, using specialized pitfall traps called “pitchers” that attract, capture, and digest insects as a primary source of nutrients.
Is Nepenthes a climber?
Pitcher plants in the genus Nepenthes are climbing or scrambling vines from areas of southeastern Asia, India, Madagascar, and Australia. They thrive in sunny clearings and other disturbed areas – sometimes even along roadsides – where the soil is coarse and nutrient-poor.
Is pitcher plant a herb or shrub?
The family Cephalotaceae features only one genus with a single species, the Western Australian pitcher plant (Cephalotus follicularis). The plant is a small perennial herb native to damp sandy or swampy terrain in southwestern Australia.
Is pitcher plant a monocot or dicot?
Taxonomy and Phylogeny There is one species of monocots that produces pitchers but most are edicts., found primarily in two unrelated families, the Nepenthaceae, found in Africa, and the Sarraceniaceae, found in both North and South America.
How do you identify Nepenthes?
yellowish pitchers with deep red stripes/speckles and red peristomes (the lip around the mouth)...Ventrata will have: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 do you mean by Nepenthes?
Definition of nepenthe 1 : a potion used by the ancients to induce forgetfulness of pain or sorrow. 2 : something capable of causing oblivion of grief or suffering.
What is the another name of 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 is the scientific name of Nepenthes?
NepenthesTropical pitcher plants / Scientific name
Why is a pitcher plant called pitcher plant?
Pitcher plants are so named because they have pitcher-like tubes that form at the end of their tendrils. The inside of the pitchers have slippery water-lubricated surfaces that cause insect prey to fall and drown in the fluid at the bottom.
How many types of pitcher plants are there?
Purple pitcher plantCalifornia pitcher plantCephalotus follicularisNepenthes attenborou...Nepenthes alataSarracenia leucophyllaPitcher plant/Representative species
Why is pitcher plant an insectivorous plant?
These plants grow in humid areas, where plenty of sunlight and moisture is found. They are found in the nitrogen deficient soil. That is why they trap and digest insects to absorb nutrients. Venus flytrap, pitcher plant and cobra lily are some of the insectivorous plants' names.
Is the purple pitcher plant a monocot or dicot?
DicotCommon Name(s):Purple pitcherplantFlower Arrangement:SolitaryLeaf Type:SimpleLeaf Arrangement:AlternateMonocot/Dicot:Dicot14 more rows
Is my Nepenthes male or female?
0:001:17Male or Female Nepenthes Pitcher Plant Flowers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also tell even before the flower opens you can see male flowers are typically round.MoreYou can also tell even before the flower opens you can see male flowers are typically round.
Are Nepenthes easy to grow?
Nepenthes 'ventrata' is one of the easiest Nepenthes to grow, and will grow into a nice full plant with minimal care.
How do you grow big Nepenthes?
Sun: Nepenthes generally like bright light without much direct sun. About 50% sun or dappled shade is good. Plant lights often work well if they are broad spectrum and are kept just far enough away to prevent overheating or scorching. Thin, spindly plants or poor coloration are a sign of too weak a light.
Do you need to feed Nepenthes?
Feeding. If you are growing your Nepenthes where they will not be able to catch their own food, dried insects can be dropped into the pitchers every few week weeks. These should be small enough to fit comfortably inside the pitcher. Do not overfeed, or your plant's pitchers may turn black and rot.
How many species of Nepenthes are there?
There are over 160 species of Nepenthes, plus countless natural and cultivated hybrids. Their habitats are hugely diverse, and some are far more adaptable growers than others. For this reason, it’s very difficult to offer generalised advice which is applicable to all tropical pitcher plants!
What is the best way to grow Nepenthes?
Greenhouses: A heated greenhouse is undoubtedly the best way to grow a wide variety of Nepenthes species on a large scale - you can read about my own greenhouse setup here. The resources recommended at the end of this guide provide more detail on advanced areas of cultivation.
What is the only carnivorous plant that has eaten rats?
Ranging in size from diminutive miniatures like Nepenthes ampullaria to gargantuan monstrosities like Nepenthes rajah, the genus includes the only carnivorous plants known to have caught and eaten whole rats.
What is a N ventricosa?
N. ventricosa: A variable species which usually has narrow-waisted, pale green pitchers speckled with red streaks. A compact species ideal for windowsill growing.
When were Nepenthes first discovered?
Nepenthes - also known as tropical pitcher plants or monkey cups - have been inspiring awe in botanists since they were first discovered by Europeans in the 17th century. With their dazzling colours and elaborately decorative traps, the plants seem to flaunt their carnivory with pride.
Is Nepenthes dioecious?
These include male & female parentage (remember that Nepenthes are dioecious!) and whether either of the parent species is particularly challenging to grow.
Where do pitcher plants grow?
Most tropical pitcher plants grow in the upper canopy of the rainforest and prefer very bright light, but without much direct sun. Diffused or partial sun is ideal, but high-powered fluorescent lights (such as T5 growlights) can also work well. Spindly leaves and a lack of colouration are signs of insufficient light.
What is a Nepenthes hard growing?
Nepenthes can be acclimated to the 50-65% range. This is called ‘hard growing’. If all other cultivation requirements are met, these plants are usually stronger and more resilient to fluctuations in there environment.
Where do Nepenthes live?
Nepenthes are predominantly native to tropical Southeast Asia and surrounding areas. They can be found in hot, humid jungles or high up in cool mountain forests. Neps appreciate bright, indirect light, air movement and high humidity.
How big of a pot do Nepenthes need?
POT TYPES AND SIZE. Nepenthes do best in plastic pots and net baskets. Small plants between 2-3 inches can be kept in 3-4 inch pots. Medium size plants from 4-6 inches can grow well in 5-6 inch pots and larger plants do best in 8+ inch pots.
How much humidity does Nepenthes need?
This is the most important factor for Nepenthes care. Although they can be acclimated to lower humidity levels, they really do their best in the 70-80% range. Most homes have less than ideal humidity growing Nepenthes.
How much light do neps like?
Neps love bright, indirect light. They can usually handle early morning sun, but too much can severely burn them. In the wild, they grow in dappled light and on mountain ridges that experience frequent fog. They love 12-14 hours of strong light daily.
How to keep a plant hydrated?
When you first receive your plant inspect it for pests and make sure the potting medium is good. Usually the pitchers loose their fluid, so make sure to add a little water to keep the plant well hydrated. Once it’s settled it will produce it’s own fluid and adding water won’t be necessary.
Can nepenthes be kept wet?
Nepenthes like being kept moist, not wet. Think of a moist sponge. They appreciate a well draining potting mix and dislike standing in water constantly. They should never be allowed to completely dry out. You can keep them in saucers of water indoors, but they must be allowed to evaporate in between waterings.
How many species of Nepenthes are there?
This list of Nepenthes species is a comprehensive listing of all known species of the carnivorous plant genus Nepenthes. It includes 179 recognised extant species, 2 incompletely diagnosed taxa, and 3 nothospecies. Three possible extinct species are also covered.
What is the name of the pollen from the Kerguelen Islands?
Pollen from the Kerguelen Islands originally described as D. spinosus has also been interpreted as belonging to Nepenthes.
What are the two groups of Nepenthes?
Types of Nepenthes Plants. The genus is further divided into two groups, Highland and Lowland Nepenthes plants. The basic differentiating features are the altitude and temperature preferences of these plants.
How high do Nepentheses grow?
The majority of the Nepentheses belong to this group with an estimated quantity of around 70%. They like to grow at 3,000 to 10,000 feet above sea levels . This elevation is higher than in the lowland areas.
How much light do you need for Nepenthes?
Light Requirements. Bright indirect sunlight is another important part of Nepenthes Care. Around 50% sun or dappled shade is enough to make them happy. You can also use growing light for the plant. Just make sure it comes from a minimum distance of 5 feet.
What temperature should pitcher plants be?
Temperature Requirement. Generally, the Pitcher plants like to stay in warmth. 55 to 95 °F is an ideal temperature range for all types of Nepenthes plants. Let us have a look at the temperature range for groups in particular. Coming towards the high land species, they have shown good tolerance for lower temperatures.
What are the different types of plants that are easier to grow?
These are easier to grow with a higher tolerance for warmer conditions. Popular species include N. alata, N. ampullaria, N . khasiana, N . mirabilis, and N . ventricosa. The majority of the hybrids also belong to this group. The colorful appearance and low maintenance of these make them popular in the domestic plantation.
Why is my pitcher plant thin?
Inadequate light makes the plant become thin and leggy. This is the natural mechanism of the plant to grow towards light. In case you find your Pitcher plant growing thin and unhealthy, see if it is standing at a place with enough light.
What is the name of the plant that monkeys drink from?
Genus Nepenthes. This is a genus of around 170 species along with their numerous cultivars. These are popularly known as ‘Pitcher Plants’ or the ‘Monkey Cups’. The name Monkey Cups refers to the interesting myths that monkeys used to drink water from these plants.
How big do Nepenthes grow?
In some species of Nepenthes, the root system can grow up to fifteen meters in length.
How to propagate Nepenthes pitcher?
The two most commonly accepted methods for propagating a Nepenthes Pitcher plant are through division and stem cuttings. Both are fairly simple, but stem cuttings tend to be a little quicker. It simply involves a few incisions followed by burying them into a container with fresh, moist soil.
Why are my pitcher plants dying?
There may be a time where you notice that your pitcher plant has stopped actively growing. This, in combination with the leaves dying, could be a sign that your plant has been sitting in water.
What is the smell of a pitcher plant?
The pitcher plant has that deep tunnel with digestive fluid located at the very bottom. This liquid emits a sweet scent that will attract insects. Once inside, it is nearly impossible for the bug to escape since the pitcher is lined with the same slippery liquid or nectar.
Where are monkey cups found?
They are found in a variety of environments, naturally existing in only a few places geographically, Madagascar, Australia, and Southeast Asia. These individuals are identified for their pitchers, which is technically the middle part ...
Can you copy a parent plant?
You can also choose to copy the parent individual through division. The rhizomes and leaves can be removed from the individual to produce new growth.
Can you keep a Nepenthes pitcher plant indoors?
You may be surprised to find that these interesting plants can be kept indoors. Actually, it’s more beneficial to a Nepenthes Pitcher plant to be a houseplant. They have a number of requests and preferences. This shouldn’t deter you. The overall care involved in housing your own Monkey Cups plant is relatively easy.
How Long Do Nepenthes Plants Tend to Live For?
A Tropical Pitcher plant can live anywhere between 10-20 years if you take the right steps to care for it.
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.
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.
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.
Are Coffee Grounds Good for Nepenthes Plants?
No, Nepenthes Plants require nutrient- deficient soil. Being natural carnivores, these plants prefer getting their nutrients from their prey – small insects, rodents, and arachnids. Adding coffee grounds to your Ne penthes Plant will over-fertilize and subsequently harm it.
Can you Repot a Nepenthes Plant?
Once weeds start appearing in your soil, it means that the ground has compacted, and your Nepenthes needs replanting. Replanting is necessary because the ground shows poor moisture retention and ventilation and is more likely to kill your plant.
How to grow Nepenthes?
To successfully grow Nepenthes in your region, you should do your best to recreate temperatures, humidity and photoperiod that the plant gets naturally in its habitat. But if you really want to grow a specific type of a Tropical Pitcher Plant, you can recreate the conditions by growing them in the greenhouse, for example. We will discuss the optimal temperatures and humidity.
How long does it take for a Nepenthes to grow?
Growing brand new Nepenthes from seeds is effective, but will take years for a new plant to mature and flower. To produce Nepenthes seeds, you will need to pollinate the female plant with male pollen. Seeds should form after few weeks and you will need to sow them shortly after forming.
How to grow Nepenthes on a windowsill?
To grow your Nepenthes on a windowsill, you will need to make sure there is enough bright light. To increase the humidity, you can use a humidifier or simply mist the plant.
What are tropical pitcher plants called?
Tropical pitcher plants are also called ‘Monkey Cups’, because monkeys drink water from them (not true). Nepenthes grow in different places of the world – with the main regions being Southeastern Asia. Countries with Tropical Pitcher Plants include Indonesia, Philippines, Sumatra, New Caledonia, China, Borneo and Australia.
Where to grow tropical pitchers?
Growing Tropical Pitcher plants in a greenhouse. Greenhouses can be one of the best places for growing Tropical Pitcher plants. You can grow both Highlanders and Lowlanders in a greenhouse, but to grow them together, you will have to keep the temperature constant.
Why are tropical pitcher plants poor in nutrients?
Their soil should be poor in nutrients, because they feed on insects to compromise for this disadvantage. You can grow Tropical Pitcher plants in different soil mixes.
How long does a pitcher plant live?
Tropical Pitcher plants live for many years, often ranging from 10-20 years. The plant can take 5-10 years to flower and it will have new shoots growing each year that turn into rosettes. After the plant has flowered, it will continue growing stems. This way, plant will always continue growing throughout its life.
Growing Locations
Beginner-Friendly Species
- Note that Nepenthes hybrids are often easier growers than pure species plants (on account of so-called ‘hybrid vigour’). As such, don’t limit yourself to just species when looking to start your collection - I have some great beginners hybrids available in my shop. Below I have listed a few Nepenthesspecies which are known to tolerate a wide range of conditions, along with some of t…
Soil Mixes
- Nepenthesare very tolerant when it comes to soil. They enjoy a loose, low-nutrition growing medium which keeps their roots aerated and allows excess water to quickly drain away while still retaining some moisture. Popular mixtures tend to include a combination of long-fibered sphagnum moss, orchid bark, tree fern fiber, coconut husk fiber, sand, perlite, and pumice rock i…
Water
- Water frequently, keeping the soil damp at all times and never letting it dry out. Unlike many other carnivores, Nepenthesare not bog plants and do not appreciate having waterlogged soil. As such, avoid standing them in water for extended periods, since this will cause root rot. Nepenthes are far more tolerant of water impurities than other carnivo...
Feeding
- If you are growing your Nepentheswhere they will not be able to catch their own food, dried insects can be dropped into the pitchers every few week weeks. These should be small enough to fit comfortably inside the pitcher. Do not overfeed, or your plant’s pitchers may turn black and rot. My recommended foods for Venus flytraps will all work, but dried crickets are particularly suitabl…
Further Reading & Links
- If you’re interested in Nepentheshybridisation, flowers & pollination, propagation methods, or other advanced areas of cultivation, I’ve listed some recommended resources and expert blogs below. This list is obviously not comprehensive! 1. The Savage Garden, by Peter D’Amato. In my opinion, this is the best introduction to carnivorous plants you can buy. Its chapters on Nepenthes are de…