Nepenthes maxima

[jsehorn]

I currently grow two Nepenthes: rafflesiana and ventricosa (and my recently acquired and still adjusting x coccinea). I grow them under the same conditions side by side, even though ventricosa is generally considered a highland species, but they both do great. The temperatures in that area are in the mid-70s in the day, and low 70s at night, with little to no variation throughout the year. The humidity is high, and they get enough light to develop good coloration, but not enough to burn.

I am interested in maxima, but am a little hesitant due to it's classification as a highlander (although I've sometimes seen it referred to as an intermediate). Nepenthes can be slow to grow (not my raff, haha) so I'd rather not start out with a small plant, but rather a large established one, and the one I'm looking at is from Orchids Unlimited, which as we all know is pretty spendy. If I'm going to pay 75 bucks for a plant, I'd like to feel fairly confident that I won't kill it.

What I am wanting to know is if maxima will grow well under the conditions described above, alongside my raff and venricosa, or if it actually does require cooler temperatures to flourish.

Has anybody successfully grown maxima in conditions closer to lowland conditions?

(and remember y'all, I said I wasn't buying anymore ORCHIDS til spring. I never said anything about Nepenthes hahahaha).

[Jlie]

Nepenthes!!!! I'm so jealous. That's all I have to contribute, lol. Much envy.

[jsehorn]

Well, upon further reading, it seems that maxima grows well as an intermediate, and my understanding of "lowland" conditions was a bit off, and since the temperatures in my warm growing area seldom get above 80 during the day, I think it should do fine along side my other Nepenthes, so I think I'll be okay. With the holidays being so expensive I won't be purchasing my new Nepenthes immediately, but once my finances stabilize again, I think I'll go ahead and go for it.

[jpyerry]

Nepenthes maxima is a species that actually has two forms a highlander and a lowlander. But both can be grown as intermediates. There is a fantastic webpage for Nepenthes information, it is Nepenthes University, they also have species specific growing guides. Here is a link for the N. maxima page: Nepenthes University - Nepenthes Maxima Cultivation. Your maxima should be fine growing with your other Neps. Currently, I am trying to grow a cutting of a Nepenthes maxima 'Tentena' that Joyce gave me. So, I don't have much personal experience growing the species. Good luck with yours!

Justin

[Andrew]

I can't give too much advice. I grow highland maxima but I grow my Neps without heat in ~zone 9 temperatures so I've never tried growing them in strictly lowland conditions.

How big is the $75 plant Orchids Unlimited are selling? Have you looked at any of the carnivorous plant nurseries in the US to see if you can get a better price?

[jsehorn]

The ones at Orchids Limited are rooted cuttings in 5.5 inch pots. I haven't definitely decided on that, I'll certainly shop around before I make my purchase, because it would be neat to pay less than that, but I've purchased from Orchids Limited before and been very pleased with the quality of their plants.

Here's the link to the Orchids Limited listing: http://www.orchidweb.com/detail.aspx?ID=929