Nepenthes Atlata aka Pitcher Plant

[pikevi]

I bought this Nepenthes today. I found some info on the mix on the 'net. But I am not sure about the size of the pot to be used. The plant is just about 20cm (8")high. There is only one pitcher on the plant.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[sandra]

It took me 2 years to get this plant. Every time I went back for it, it was gone but there it was for me today. I've only seen these in the summer time. Nepenthes Atlata, aka Pitcher Plant and Monkey Cups (lol). They grow alongside of some orchids, primarily Angraecum and grow where temperature and humidity is high, typically in Madagascar, Borneo and Thailand. The cups are practically weightless, maybe an ounce, each. I just love these and thought you'd get a kick out of seeing these pics. Enjoy!

[gore42]

Wow, yours looks great! I grow these too, along side the Paphs. They're much better than any other carnivorous plants that I've tried for controlling fungus gnats and flies.

Mine never look very good, though. My largest plant is potted too small and dries out... so the pitchers have brown edges, etc... the leaves curl sometimes. And the pitchers never get that nice red coloration, either.

I was surprised, a few months ago, when I had one bloom! For those of you who have never seen Nepenthes alata blooms....



and a close up of the blooms....



As Ever,
Matthew Gore

[pikevi]

After seeing your photos I am doubly happy I bought mine .

Surprisingly it does not have the pitchers: it had one about 3 inches long and dried up in the entire plant.

I see in sandra's photo almost all the leaves end in a pitcher! I don't know what species mine is.

The pitchers and the inflorescence are lovely

I just took this photo. You can see the two dried up pitchers.

[sandra]

Originally Posted by gore42

They're much better than any other carnivorous plants that I've tried for controlling fungus gnats and flies.

And the pitchers never get that nice red coloration, either.

My timing was great because I had just discovered fungus gnats in my area. It's too bloody hot and humid here now, so bad that big mushrooms are popping up all over the lawns lately.

pikevi, you may want to add some humidity to the plant to encourage the pitchers to grow.

[Anton]

The mushrooms aren't of the Magic variety ?

[pikevi]

Thanks sandra.

I have had it only for about 2 weeks or so. I hope it has sufficient humidity now.

I anxiously await the arrival of some pitchers. They are neat

[sandra]

Originally Posted by Anton

The mushrooms aren't of the Magic variety ?

Grace Slick said, "Go Ask Alice, I think she'll know." I'll let you know when I find Alice.

[Anton]

Alice wouldn't know, she's too high on mushrooms.

Interesting plants those pitchers. Make interesting wine goblets.

[pikevi]

Anton: I saw one plant at a garden centre which had pitchers that can be used as beer glasses. They were very large- close to 20cm or so.

I will settle for a few liqueur glass sized ones on mine. Marvels of nature!
(fyi: Apricot brandy is my favourite )

I have to read up on the right medium and fertilizer to use for the Nepenthes.

[sandra]

Matthew, those blooms are sensational and so are the photos! Thanks for posting these.

Originally Posted by pikevi

I have to read up on the right medium and fertilizer to use for the Nepenthes.

pikevi, some good information here:
http://www.easycarnivores.co.uk/site/content/view/15/1/

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/carnivor/msg0310095124276.html

[janet_a]

very cool blooms! mine is growing some pitchers and started a new little sprout.

[Maxxreps]

FYI... If you are ever in Atlanta, go to their botanical garden and check out their nepenthes. The variety is amazing. Also check out the 'Chandelier' by glass artist Dale Chihuli:

http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.or...ens/art_garden

It is truely amazing!!!

[electric.chowder]

ooooh, I just couldn't help it, after seeing all of yours, I just had to get one for myself

What should this be potted in?

[sandra]

ooooooh back at ya EC. You went for the big one! I would have bought the larger one except I don't even have room for the one I did buy....but that never stops me Read the links I posted here to pikevi a few posts up ^. There's some potting info and general care for them there. I keep reading that rain water is essential and every 3 days, bright light but not direct and misting.

Enjoy your new Pitcher Plant.

[electric.chowder]

Looks like I got something to repot tomorrow I think the rain water is something that is pretty important for carnivorous plants in general (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) they seem really intolereant of anything with nutrience in them. funny little things arn't they.

here comes another addiction

[pikevi]

Thanks sandra. It was very useful. I got the right mix except for peat. I will see if I can work it in later.

What a great plant you got, electric.chowder. The pitchers look great.

I wish mine will grow some soon.

I see they thrive well at 15C or less. That may be very hard to achieve either in the summer or winter here.

Is application of any fertilizer contraindicated on Nepenthes? I may have sprayed some of orchid fertilizer on them ( I have three now but none have the pitchers).

[janet_a]

Originally Posted by Maxxreps

FYI... If you are ever in Atlanta, go to their botanical garden and check out their nepenthes. The variety is amazing. Also check out the 'Chandelier' by glass artist Dale Chihuli:

i'm headed there over columbus day weekend and plan to do just that.

[electric.chowder]

found this site burried in my bookmarks, I've used it for other CP's I've had, lots of good information, as well as quite funny

Nepenthes: http://www.sarracenia.com/faq/faq3068.html

Entire FAQ: http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html

[pikevi]

Great URL ,electric.chowder.

Interesting topics and very simple explanations.

Thanks.

[Maxxreps]

Originally Posted by janet_a

i'm headed there over columbus day weekend and plan to do just that.

Nice Janet! I spent two days there last summer and could have spent three!