Plant of the Week: Nepenthes

 

Nepenthes are tropical carnivorous pitcher plants, most often sold in hanging baskets in greenhouses.  Monkey pods, nicknamed because monkeys in places like Borneo will drink from the cups that also trap insects, are modified pitcher-shaped leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, they grow as vines. 

Nepenthes attract prey with nectar. The insects fall into a pool of liquid where they drown and are digested. 

The vining plants can climb or sprawl with pitchers developing at the ends of the leaves. 

Found in tropical regions, various varieties grow in hot, humid lowlands and cooler highland regions. 

Nepenthes is named after the mythical Greek potion nepenthe, mentioned in The Odyssey. It was given to Helen by the Egyptians to banish sorrow. 

Nepenthes care:

• Bright direct light for at least 4 hours a day
• Keep soil moist
• High humidity is essential
• Temperature can vary by variety; most prefer at least 70F days and 60F nights.
• Most grow as hanging plants

Nepenthes alata is a native of the Philippines. It is a relatively easy-to-grow houseplant that produces colorful pitchers to attract prey. It will thrive in daytime temperatures of 75°F and 85°F during the day, and not below 55°F at night.

Nepenthes 'Miranda' is known for its colorful pitchers that are large green cups with red speckles. 'Miranda' can grow to a mature size of 3-4 feet with pichers as long as 18".

Nepenthes 'Gaya' is a compact, vigorous variety. The plant features bright green foliage with pitchers that emerge in a marbled pattern, maturing to a crimson-striped pitcher. Colorful pitchers may mature up to 6" long with wide, oval-shaped mouths. 

Nepenthes are available in several sizes of hanging baskets and small pots in our greenhouse. 

Tiny pots of Nepenthes and other Carnivorous plants are available in our greenhouse.