Cultivating Carnivorous Plants (2015)
NEPENTHES
The ferocious smile of Nepenthes bicalcarata.
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The Tropical Pitcher Plant, the
genus Nepenthes, is probably the best
known carnivorous plant besides the
Venus Flytrap. Tropical Pitcher Plants
first captured the Western world’s
widespread attention in Victorian
times
when
Veitch
Nursery
introduced the genus Nepenthes into
cultivation across Europe’s hot
houses. Nepenthes would quickly
capture the world’s attention, and
even today Nepenthes regularly make
the news, mostly due to the discovery
of a new species or because of new
photographs of particularly large
pitchers feasting upon large prey.
The first described species of the
genus, Nepenthes madagascariensis, was
identified by the French colonial
N. stenophylla
governor of Madagascar, Étienne de
Flacourt, in his 1648 Histoire de la Grande Isle de Madagascar.
After this publication, several other species were described
before Carl Linnaeus named the genus Nepenthes after the
drug Nepenthe, which chases away sorrow, in the Odyssey,
stating:
If this is not Helen’s Nepenthes, it
certainly will be for all botanists. What
botanist would not be filled with
admiration if, after a long journey, he
should find this wonderful plant.
Today, there are 159 recognized
species of Nepenthes, with several more
undescribed and several populations
of natural hybrids that appear to be
self-sustaining. In total, there may well
be more than 200 species of Nepenthes
throughout Southeast Asia.
Interestingly,
fossil
evidence
suggests that, during the Paleocene
Epoch (66 million to 56 million years
ago), at least three species of Nepenthes
N. adnata25
- or Nepenthes-like plants - existed in
Europe. Not much is known about these species, other than
their pollen structure, but the widespread abundance of
Nepenthes truncata
fossilized pollen from the form taxon Droseridites (which
includes extinct plants probably affiliated with the Droseraceae
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CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
(Sundew Family) and Nepenthaceae ( Nepenthes Family)) suggests that Nepenthes-like plants had a greater
distribution 60 million years ago than they do today.
From a grower’s perspective, the genus Nepenthes presents fewer challenges than one might expect for a
genus native to the tropical islands of the Pacific. Many actually grow quite well on a windowsill with very
little special treatment.
Generally speaking, all Nepenthes can be divided into one of two categories - highland or lowland. The
majority of species are highland plants. The two categories differ largely in terms of temperature and
humidity. Lowland plants experience hot days, warm nights without much of a temperature drop, and high
humidity. They are the quintessential “jungle plant,” except, rather than growing in a hot, humid, and shaded
area, most lowland Nepenthes grow in hot, humid, and sunny areas.
One of the few difficult-to-cultivate lowland plants, Nepenthes northiana.
In contrast, highland plants are more variable in temperature and humidity. They experience cooler days,
with maximums reaching around 80° F (~26° C), and even cooler nights. Night time temperatures drop, on
average, 20° F (~7° C), and hover around 55° - 60° F (12° - 15° C), or lower. Most can be grown with lower
humidity levels than lowland plants, but some, usually the ones with more unusual pitchers, require high
humidity levels. Like their lowland cousins, highland plants like lots of light.
Whether lowland or highland, every Nepenthes is essentially a vine that starts out as a tiny, thin and brown
seed designed to be carried on the wind. Germination results in the formation of a tiny rosette, consisting of
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several very short, tapered leaves that end in
miniature pitchers. Most plants will be barely larger
than any letter on this page for the first few months
of life.
In time, new leaves will form from the central
rosette. If conditions are good, each leaf or pitcher
grows slightly larger than the last, although it is not
uncommon for plants to have several leaves and
pitchers of the same size. In time, the plant will grow
to be several inches (centimeters) in diameter.
Typically, this takes a year or two for lowland plants
and two-to-three years for highland plants.
After a several inch diameter plant has formed,
the plant will either begin to climb via the production
of leaves along a climbing stem or continue to grow
even larger leaves in the rosette pattern. What
happens depends on the parentage of the individual
plant. Some, such as Nepenthes gracilis, will begin to
climb immediately, whereas others, such as Nepenthes
bicalcarata, will grow much larger before forming any
kind of stem.
As the plant grows, its growth occurs only from
a central growth tip. If the growth tip is damaged or
destroyed, the plant may either begin to grow via a
secondary growth tip or form a basal offshoot. The
growth type depends on the parent species and the
age of the plant. Basal offshoots often form naturally
without damage to the main growing tip in species
such as Nepenthes ampullaria and other species as the
plant grows larger, and the main growing tip gets
further away from the base of the plant.
Germination to flowering typically takes five to
ten years, depending on the parent species. Usually,
lowland species grow much faster than highland
species, which are accustomed to lower temperatures
and slower growth rates, than the lowland species,
Nepenthes ‘Lady Pauline’
which constantly face threats of jungle encroachment.
Maturation of the plant is often marked by the formation of pitchers that look different from juvenile
pitchers. At the juvenile stage, most Nepenthes have remarkably similar pitchers. Once the plants start getting
larger, the pitchers of different species become more distinct. The first mature pitchers, the “lower” pitchers,
often attach to the leaf via a front-facing tendril. This pitchers are typically more bulbous and sit on the forest
floor. As the plant vines, its pitchers will become more intermediate, with the tendril attaching more to the
side of the pitcher, and the pitcher itself changing shape to become more slender. The final pitchers, the
“upper” pitchers, are often very slender, or, in the case of the “toilet-bowl” Nepenthes, toilet-shaped, and
lighter in color than the lower pitchers. Upper pitchers will often be suspended in the air, and recent scientific
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CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
observation suggests that, for many species, the upper pitchers are
designed to attract different prey than the lower pitchers.
Once a plant has reached a sufficient stage of maturity, it will
flower. Each Nepenthes plant is male or female; each plant has either
male or female flowers. Somewhere around 70% of plants are male.
The usually small and brown flowers are rather unremarkable. Seed
matures in capsules that split open when mature, flinging the tiny,
thin, brown seed into the wind to start the growing process all over
again.
In Cultivation
The most commonly cultivated Nepenthes are tissue cultured
hybrids that are designed to grow quickly in the lab-greenhouse
combinations that produce them, ship easily, and look good on
arrival. The most common of these hybrids is Nepenthes x ventrata, a
hybrid with orangey-red pitchers that is a cross between Nepenthes
alata and Nepenthes ventricosa. It can be grown in virtually any
conditions above freezing, and is very difficult to kill. For most
people, it is their first Nepenthes.
Generally speaking, widely-available, cultivated Nepenthes are
hybrids of one of three species, or a combination thereof - Nepenthes
alata, Nepenthes maxima, Nepenthes ventricosa. These three species have
well-deserved reputations for being nearly invincible. Their various
offspring can suffer through lack of water for a week or more and
still retain colorful pitchers. Their offspring can be put outside in the
powerful Florida sunshine or in a shady New England living room
and still produce pitchers.
After obtaining one or two of these hybrids, new growers
typically begin to research the vast array of Nepenthes species and
hybrids and soon find themselves collecting a variety of plants. Many
of the more specialized Nepenthes species and hybrids will be grown
either via seed or tissue culture, a method in which seeds or plant
parts are cloned to
produce a number of
N. maxima “Dark” x alata
genetically-identical
individuals. There is no specific advantage to either method,
but growers have noticed that some tissue cultured clones are
less tolerant of a variety of conditions than comparable seed-
grown plants, especially in Nepenthes.
The first step to cultivate Nepenthes successfully is
determining what plants match the conditions that can be
provided to them. (See the guide at the back of this chapter for
a detailed list of currently recognized species and their
distribution). Ultra-lowland plants, such as Nepenthes bicalcarata,
Nepenthes spectabilis x hamata
the Fanged Pitcher Plant, cannot be successfully grown next to
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highland plants, such as Nepenthes hamata, at least not long-term.
The second step is building a set-up that allows the cultivation of harder-to-grow Nepenthes varieties,
such as Nepenthes villosa, that typically require special set-ups for successful long-term cultivation. The
remainder of this chapter seeks to discuss some of those set-ups, both for some plants which are common in
cultivation and some plants which are highly desired in cultivation. This chapter’s remainder is divided into
five sections: Ultra-Lowland, Lowland, Intermediate, Highland, and Ultra-Highland.
Nepenthes aristolochioides x glabrata. In recent years, hybrids with Nepenthes aristolochoides have
become extremely popular. Many of these require temperatures similar to those required by Nepenthes
aristolochoides, i.e. cool-to-cold nights. This can be a problem for many growers in warmer climates.
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My standard growing guide for Nepenthes follows:
✵
Media: Most Nepenthes grow well in a well-draining mix that retains water. In other words, they
should not be soaking wet but pleasantly moist. The best mixes incorporate materials such as high-
quality New Zealand or Chilean Sphagnum Moss, or (Coconut husk), orchid bark, or perlite. I often
compose a 50:50 mix of the moisture-retaining ingredients, such as sphagnum moss, and the airy,
draining ingredients, such as perlite.
Note: an old Carnivorous Plant Newsletter that can be found online suggests a mixture of 1:1:1: Leca
(Hydroponic) Clay: Seramis (Baked Clay): Lava Gravel (Lava Rock) as a good, sustainable alternative.
Numerous growers, myself included, have tried this mixture with various species of Nepenthes and can
definitively report that, while it works well, at first, the health of the plant slowly degrades. I would
stay away from this combination.
✵
Moisture: Nepenthes, with the exception of Nepenthes smilesii that forms tubers, typically grow in an
environment with constantly moist media or very high humidity and damp media. Consequently,
most plants do well either in a hanging basket or growing in a tray with a few millimeters of water in
it at all times. The water level should fluctuate, even to the point of evaporating completely, but not
to the point of allowing the plant’s medium to become dry.
✵
Humidity: Different species have different humidity requirements. Generally, ultra-lowland, lowland,
and many ultra-highland plants require high humidity, although all Nepenthes do better with higher
humidity. The easiest way to tell if a plant is getting enough humidity is if it is producing pitchers. If
the plant does not produce pitchers, it is probably not getting enough humidity (at least that is often
the primary cause). If it is producing pitchers but the pitchers are smaller than would be expected,
there is probably not high enough humidity. Additionally, some species like Nepenthes inermis, will only
pitcher when in high humidity.
✵
Pot Size: My rule of thumb is to use a pot that is big enough to fit the Nepenthes root ball and leaves a
little room for it to grow. Generally, this means that the leaves extend slightly farther than the end of
the pot, but oftentimes large plants will be grown in pots that appear remarkably small for the size of
the plant. With the exception of a few species, like Nepenthes bicalcarata that prefer to be over potted,
pot size is not a major concern.
✵
Feeding: Fertilizing Nepenthes is essential to their growth. Older grow guides state that feeding is not
necessary, but many empirical experiments have proven otherwise. Almost any soluble fertilizer that
is high in nitrogen would probably work, but I personally use MaxSea Grow 16-16-16 Water Soluble
Seaweed Plant Food Fertilizer applied to the pitcher and to the root ball on all my Nepenthes.
✵
Temperature: The necessary temperature for any given Nepenthes depends on whether it is an ultra-
lowland, lowland, intermediate, highland, or ultra-highland plant. This is discussed in the following
sections of this chapter.
✵
Dormancy: No Nepenthes requires any kind of dormancy.
✵
Propagation: Nepenthes can either be propagated through seed or cuttings.
o
Seed: The hardest way to propagate Nepenthes is through seeds. Nepenthes seed is only viable
for a short period of time. Lowland Nepenthes typically have seed that is viable only for a few
weeks, while highland Nepenthes have seed that is viable for several months. One of the best
ways to ensure germination is to soak the seed in water with a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide
(H202) for 24 - 48 hours prior to sowing on an appropriate medium in a suitable temperature
range. Unlike other carnivorous plant seed, Nepenthes seed should not be covered by plastic
wrap to induce germination. Without airflow, Nepenthes seedlings are highly susceptible to
fungus that kills the minute seedlings. After germination, the only trick is keeping the
seedlings alive. This can be significantly challenging because, before seedlings reach the size
of a small coin, they are highly susceptible to changes in environmental conditions.
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o
Cuttings: Cuttings are the easiest method of propagation. Cuttings can either be taken by
separating a basal growth from the main growing stem or by cutting the main growing stem
one-to-two leaves below the growing point (or four leaves for Nepenthes ampullaria). The
cutting should then have its leaves trimmed in half, horizontally. The cut ends should then
be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in damp long fiber sphagnum moss. Place the
entire cutting and moss into a plastic bag, seal, and place in bright light, but not direct
sunlight. Depending on the species, the cutting can root in two to six months.
Ultra-Lowland Nepenthes
Ultra-lowland
plants
are
those that typically grow from sea
level to 1,640 feet (500 m), and
experience very high levels of
humidity. Daytime temperatures
hover around 90° F (32° C) while
nighttime temperatures hover
around 75° F (24° C).
Ultra-lowlanders are among
the fastest growing and most
popular plants. When researching
Nepenthes for the first time, new
growers often find Nepenthes
ampullaria and Nepenthes bicalcarata
attractive and easy to obtain
plants. Both of these species,
some of the fastest growing
Nepenthes, can double in size in the
matter of a couple months, an
impressive growth rate when they
are a few inches across but a little
disconcerting when they grow to
be greater than a foot across.
N. ampullaria
Nepenthes ampullaria is one of
the most distinctive Nepenthes
species. Its short, squat pitchers
often grow as rosettes, almost
entirely lacking leaves, near the
base of a central climbing stem
Nepenthes ampullaria ‘Williams Red’ x ‘Harlequin’
and intermittently along its length.
The rotund pitchers are rarely
taller than three inches (8 centimeters) and feature a hood that is small and upright, providing no cover for
the pitcher contents. Unlike other species, Nepenthes ampullaria produces few intermediate or upper pitchers.
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Nepenthes ampullaria can often be found in damp,
shady forests with permanently waterlogged soils; as
such, it prefers wetter soils in cultivation. It has
evolved to feed primarily on leaf detritus and other
fallen objects rather than insect prey, as many other
Nepenthes species do. The upright pitcher hood and
clusters of pitchers allow the plant to capture as many
fallen objects as possible without impediment.
A number of color
variation
have
been
observed for Nepenthes
ampullaria. This comes as
no surprise given the
species wide distribution
across
several
large
islands in southeast Asia.
Some of these variations N. ampullaria basal pitcher.
have been elevated to
cultivar status, although none has yet been changed to
a variety or subspecies. The most common color
combinations include all green pitchers, green pitchers
speckled with brown, all red pitchers, red pitchers with
Nepenthes ampullaria “Bau Green”
a green lip, green pitchers with a red lip, pitchers
scattered with a variety of colors, and all brown
pitchers. Some color patterns, such as those with all brown pitchers, are reported to produce pitchers that are
nearly twice the normal size of those produced by this species.
One interesting feature of Nepenthes ampullaria is that its leaves have a fairly unique soft, fuzzy covering
after unfurling. The fuzzy covering is typically rinsed off by the frequent rainfall of the forest, but it can be an
interesting feature in a terrarium without rainfall.
N. bicalcarata
Undoubtedly, Nepenthes bicalcarata is one of the most
famous Nepenthes species. With lower and upper pitchers that
prominently feature two Dracula-like “fangs,” it is hard to
imagine a more fearsome “meat-eating” plant. There is just
something so sinister about it.
Despite its fearsome look and sharp fangs, Nepenthes
bicalcarata does not actively seek out blood. It feeds mostly on
the excrement of the carpenter ant species, Camponotus schmitzi,
and occasionally the ants themselves. The ants live in the pitcher
tendrils and protect Nepenthes bicalcarata from attacks from pests
such as weevils and pest fungi that would prevent the pitchers
from functioning as efficiently. Additionally, unlike other species
of ants which have a mutually beneficial relationship to a plant,
C. schmitzi is not territorial; the ants do not attack Nepenthes
Nepenthes bicalcarata
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bicalcarata’s prey animals. As a result, only about 42% of Nepenthes bicalcarata’s foliar nitrogen comes from ant
excrement, rather than the expected 90% from territorial ants.
Interestingly, recent research has also shown that Nepenthes bicalcarata has another mutually beneficial
relationship, one with Hardwicke’s woolly bat, Kerivoula hardwickii. K. hardwickii is well-known for frequently
roosting in the upper pitchers of Nepenthes hemsleyana and excreting into the pitcher, thus feeding the plant. K.
hardwickii has a similar relationship with Nepenthes bicalcarata. K. hardwickii roosts in the upper pitchers of Nepenthes bicalcarata, more frequently than Nepenthes hemsleyana. Nepenthes bicalcarata, however, is a less
preferential host to K. hardwickii than N. hemsleyana is.
Nepenthes bicalcarata
Much like Nepenthes ampullaria, Nepenthes bicalcarata is frequently found in forests with permanently
waterlogged soils, so it prefers wetter soils in cultivation. Unlike Nepenthes ampullaria, Nepenthes bicalcarata does
not stay small. In fact, it is one of the biggest Nepenthes species, often producing leaves in excess of a foot or
two only a year or so after producing leaves barely three inches (8 cm) in length. As a consequence, growers
should be prepared for rapid, sustained growth that will produce very large plants very quickly. This species
will often outgrow all but the largest terrariums within the span of two years.
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Lowland Nepenthes
Lowland plants are those that typically grow from 1,640 - 3,281 feet (500 - 1,000 m). They typically
experience high levels of humidity and day temperatures around 85° F (30° C). Nighttime temperatures
typically fall to around 70° F (21° C), although this is not always the case.
N. campanulata
Nepenthes campanulata is one of a
collectors’ favorite Nepenthes. This diminutive
Nepenthes has a small, compact growth
pattern. It does not produce upper pitchers.
In fact, it does not produce a climbing vine.
Instead, it’s small rosettes spread via
subterranean runners, much like Darlingtonia.
These result in new plants popping up near
the parent plant and rapidly growing to
maturity.
The pitchers of Nepenthes campanulata
grow only about 4 inches (10 cm) tall. These
dainty, yellow “bells” are charming, and,
unlike other toilet-bowl-type pitchers, remain
dry. A large portion of the pitcher consists of
the waxy zone while only a very small
portion holds water. Interestingly, despite a
lack of stickiness, Nepenthes campanulata
captures more flying insects as opposed to
crawling insects.
Nepenthes campanulata
In the wild, Nepenthes campanulata grows on limestone
escarpments overlooking the ocean in one small area of Borneo.
These escarpments have small pockets of moss and leaf debris
covering the limestone. Nepenthes campanulata grows in these small
pockets. Frequent rains and high humidity keep this species moist,
and slowly weather away the limestone escarpments.
In cultivation, growers often pot this species in a typical
Nepenthes mix consisting of sphagnum and perlite. This is a mistake.
Limestone, when wetted, slowly dissolves, releasing minerals. Some of
these minerals are essential for Nepenthes campanulata to grow well.
Therefore, a good potting mix will use around 50% limestone. The
remainder of the mix may be a standard Nepenthes mix or simply long-
fiber sphagnum moss.
Many growers treat this species as an intermediate. This is not
necessary unless the media mixture is not appropriate, i.e. lacking in
limestone.
Nepenthes campanulata
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N. gracilis
Nepenthes gracilis is one of the most widespread yet least cultivated species of Nepenthes. It is so widespread
that it is thought of as a common roadside weed in some countries! The small, graceful pitchers come in a
variety of colors and patterns, including, but not limited to: black, green, green with red speckles, and red.
These colors do not have “official” names, but many growers call their plants by the color of the pitchers.
Nepenthes
gracilis
is
an
extremely easy to grow lowland
plant as long as its media does
not dry out completely. (If the
media is allowed to dry out
completely,
the
plant
will
probably recover, but all existing
pitchers and leaves will die).
Unlike other lowland species,
Nepenthes gracilis prefers to grow
in high light conditions. (In the
wild, seeing Nepenthes gracilis
plants growing in open fields
where they are exposed to the
hot tropical sun all day long is
not uncommon).
In cultivation, plants with
green pitchers are more common
than any other color pattern,
although plants with red pitchers
are very popular in southeast
Asia. Plants with “black” (dark
purple) pitchers are rare in
cultivation and highly sought-
after. Maintaining solid-dark
coloring is difficult without full-
sun exposure. Mottled pitchers
are the result of insufficient sun
provided to these, or red pitcher,
plants.
One thing to note is that
many wild-collected seeds of
Nepenthes sold online are actually
Nepenthes gracilis “Black” pitchers in various stages of growth. Like
collected from Nepenthes gracilis,
many species, this species requires a high amount of light to maintain
not whatever species the seller
the dark coloration on its pitchers.
claims.
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CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
N. rafflesiana / hemsleyana
Nepenthes rafflesiana is a highly variable,
and interesting Nepenthes species. Having
several
color
and
pitcher-structure
variations, this species has recently been
divided into several species and subspecies.
A number of “types” of Nepenthes rafflesiana
exist, including a “Giant” form that has
pitchers that rival Nepenthes rajah in size.
Not all “types” have been divided out from
the species, but some have. Most recently,
Nepenthes rafflesisana var. elongata was
Nepenthes x hookeriana
separated out and named Nepenthes
hemsleyana. That species is best known for its mutualistic relationship with a
species of bat ( Kerivoula hardwickii) that roosts in its upper pitchers during
the daytime. The droppings of the bat provide significant nourishment to
the plant.
All “types” of Nepenthes rafflesiana, including related species such as
Nepenthes hemsleyana, have lower pitchers which are remarkably different
from their upper pitchers. The lower pitchers are, almost universally,
bulbous with large wings ( ala), a slanting opening, and peristome. These
have adapted to become ineffective traps during several hours during the
day in order to lure large numbers of ants to the pitchers. Upon “turning
on” the pitchers are able to catch a large number of ants at once. Upper
pitchers, unlike lower pitchers, target flying insects. As a consequence,
these are slim and often have
small wings.
Nepenthes rafflesiana is an
easy plant to cultivate. It
prefers somewhat lower light
levels than some other lowland
species and does well in humid
environments. It is an ideal
candidate for a terrarium or on
a windowsill in a tropical or
subtropical
climate.
Unlike
Nepenthes hemsleyana27
some other species, Nepenthes
rafflesiana is not picky about media and will grow in just about any
media, although it seems to prefer a peat-heavy media.
Innumerable hybrids have been created with Nepenthes
rafflesiana. One of the most popular is Nepenthes x hookeriana, an
easy to grow hybrid with Nepenthes ampullaria as the other parent.
This hybrid is extremely popular with those first entering the
world of carnivorous plants, and it has been tissue cultured several
Nepenthes rafflesiana
times.
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Intermediate Nepenthes
Intermediate plants typically grow
from 3,281 - 4,921 feet (1,000 - 1,500
m). They do not typically require high
levels of humidity. In the wild, they
experience day temperatures around 80°
F (27° C) and nighttime temperatures
around 60° F (16° C).
Many of the most popular plants in
cultivation--and those with reputations
for being the easiest to grow--are
intermediate plants. These include, but
are not limited to, Nepenthes fusca,
Nepenthes
sanguinea,
and
Nepenthes
ventricosa.
N. boschiana
Bosch’s Pitcher-Plant, Nepenthes
boschiana, is a fairly easy intermediate
from Borneo. It technically belongs to
the Nepenthes maxima Complex, but it is
easily distinguishable from most species
in that complex. It possesses pitchers
very unlike Nepenthes maxima’s. In the
wild,
Nepenthes
boschiana
typically
experiences warmer temperatures than
other intermediates do. In cultivation,
growers found that it suffers and dies
back if given temperatures near 42° F
(5° C).
A young Nepenthes boschiana.
N. burkei / N. ventricosa
Nepenthes burkei is closely related to Nepenthes ventricosa in looks and temperament. Its main difference
from Nepenthes ventricosa is that Nepenthes burkei has green-yellow pitchers with a red peristome and red
spotting along the pitcher body. In contrast, Nepenthes ventricosa has nearly every other combination of colors.
In cultivation, most common Nepenthes ventricosa plants have red pitcher bodies and red peristome.
Nepenthes burkei and Nepenthes ventricosa are both extremely easy to grow. It is not uncommon for plants of
either species to thrive after being relegated to a neglected windowsill. As with most Nepenthes, higher light
and fertilizer will rapidly improve growth for both Nepenthes burkei and Nepenthes ventricosa.
N. robcantleyi
Formerly known as “black truncata” for its similarity to Nepenthes truncata, Nepenthes robcantleyi has become
remarkably popular among growers. Its popularity is likely due to its ease in cultivation and its large, showy
pitchers, which turn almost black in some clones.
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Nepenthes robcantelyi
Although Nepenthes robcantelyi is known for having a large, showy peristome, like Nepenthes veitchii, this trait
does not appear to pass down to hybrid offspring. In fact, among Nepenthes, Nepenthes robcantleyi may be
among the weakest of the species for hybridization. Very few hybrids show any strong Nepenthes robcantleyi
influence.
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Highland Nepenthes
Nepenthes jamban x dubia
Highland plants typically grow from 4,921 to
6,562 feet (1,500 - 2,000 m). Some require high levels
of humidity, but most do not. In the wild, they
experience day temperatures around 75° F (24° C) and
nighttime temperatures around 55° F (13° C).
N. jamban
One of the most desired “toilet bowl” Nepenthes,
Nepenthes jamban is currently a popular plant both as a
tissue-cultured and seed-grown plant. In its native
habitat, Nepenthes jamban grows with Nepenthes dubia,
another popular “toilet bowl” Nepenthes. Although
hybrids between the two are not uncommon, such
hybrids are still rare in cultivation.
Nepenthes jamban
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As with all “toilet bowl”
Nepenthes,
Nepenthes
jamban
produces upper pitchers that are
pinched at the bottom and large
and bowl-shaped at the top. Each
upper pitcher produces a viscous
fluid that allows the inside of the
pitcher to capture small insects by
being sticky, similar to a Pinguicula
leaf. The viscous pitcher fluid and
shape of the upper pitcher are
characteristics shared by Nepenthes
dubia, which is thought to be
closely related to Nepenthes jamban.
In cultivation, seed-grown
Nepenthes jamban plants appear to be
more tolerant of a wider range of
conditions
than
tissue-cultured
clones are. It is not clear why this
appears to be the case. Perhaps
intolerant seed-grown plants are
killed early by bad conditions, or
Nepenthes dubia with lower pitchers.
something is wrong with the
cloning process.
N. hamata
The most desired of all carnivorous plants has to be Nepenthes hamata.
It is known for its peristome, which is fashioned like so many sharp,
pointed teeth. In the wild, Nepenthes hamata is native to the mossy forests of
Sulawesi, where it experiences high relative humidity - near 100% at all
times - and, often, partially shaded conditions. The plant, which initially
forms a small rosette, rapidly develops into a tall, climbing vine, hanging
among the trees.
Most forms of the plant have green pitchers with dark purple-to-
black splotches on the lower pitchers. Upper pitchers are often all green.
Lower pitchers often have black peristome, while upper pitchers often
have green pitchers. In 2005, Ch’ien Lee announced the discovery of a new
Nepenthes hamata location where the plants were entirely red and covered in
a dense coat of brown hairs. This ‘hairy red’ form has not yet been
formally described, but will probably be described as a new species.
In cultivation, Nepenthes hamata has gained a reputation for being a
difficult highland species. Unlike many highland Nepenthes, it does not
typically do well on a windowsill. Instead, it needs to be kept in a humid
terrarium or greenhouse. Additionally, one should note that it is a
perennially expensive plant due to continual, large demand.
Nepenthes hamata
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NATCH GREYES
Nepenthes lowii upper pitcher.28
N. lowii
Nepenthes lowii is, perhaps, the most iconic of the Nepenthes. It is known for its
fanciful upper pitchers. These pitchers are yellow on the outside and tightly
constricted in the middle, seemingly causing the red mouth to gap open. The pitcher
lid exudes a sticky, white nectar which is eaten by tree shrews ( Tupaia montana). These
shrews sit atop the pitcher mouth and excrete into the pitcher while eating the
nectar. Studies indicate that the plant receives between 57% and 100% of its foliar
nitrogen from shrew droppings.
The lower pitchers are less showy than the upper. These are best known for
their reddish coloration and thick coat of bristles underneath the pitcher hood. These
characteristics are also seen in the closely related Nepenthes ephippiata. Both Nepenthes
lowii and Nepenthes ephippiata often pass down the bristles on the underside of their
lids to hybrids.
In cultivation, Nepenthes lowii is an exceedingly slow growing plant. It is, perhaps,
the slowest growing Nepenthes. As such, it is a plant that requires special attention as,
unlike other species of Nepenthes, it is less able to bounce back from pests or
accidental injury.
N. lowii lower pitcher
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CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
N. rajah
The largest pitchers of the
Nepenthes genus belong to the King
Pitcher Plant, Nepenthes rajah. This
species is native to the serpentine
soils of both Mount Kinabalu and
Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah,
Borneo. At maturity, Nepenthes rajah
is an extremely large plant. Given
its immense size (up to a yard
(~one meter) across), it requires a
cultivation
setup
that
can
accommodate a gigantic plant.
Because of its large size and
massive pitchers, Nepenthes rajah is
not recommended for growers who
do
not
have
their
own
greenhouses.
In the wild, Nepenthes rajah has
a mutualistic relationship with a
mammal, two actually, a tree shrew
( Tupaia montana) and a summit rat
( Rattus
baluensis).
These
two
creatures have the same kind of
relationship with Nepenthes rajah.
The shrew visits mostly during the
daytime, whereas the rat visits
mostly during the nighttime. In
both cases, the animals seek the
sweet nectar produced on the
inside of the pitcher lid of the
lower pitchers. The animals are
attracted by the nectar’s scent and
also the lid’s color. (The lid reflects
light in such a way as to stand out
compared to nearby plants.) In
order to access nectar, the shrew or
rat sits on the upper pitcher
peristome. As the shrew or rat eats
the nectar, it defecates, providing
the plant with most of its required
nitrogen.
In cultivation, Nepenthes rajah is
a relatively easy highlander. It is a
It is easy to see how a small mammal could easily slip into a
slow grower which will all but the
Nepenthes rajah pitcher and drown. The pitcher mouth is quite wide.
largest enclosures within a decade
In some, an entire American football could easily fit inside.29
116
NATCH GREYES
of germination. As with other rare Nepenthes, Nepenthes rajah has been introduced to tissue culture. As with
Nepenthes dubia, the clones chosen for tissue culture appear to be slightly less robust than seed grown
individuals.
N. spathulata
Nepenthes spathulata is a perennial
staple in botanical gardens and university
collections thanks to its large pitchers,
which can exceed 16 inches (41 cm)
when mature. Nepenthes spathulata was
first collected by Maurits Anne Lieftinck
in January 1935 on an expedition up
Mount Tanggamus in Sumatra. Although
the status of the plant has changed over
time, Nepenthes spathulata has come to be
known as a morphologically variable
species. Recent field work indicated that
Nepenthes spathulata inhabiting Java may
be distinctive enough from Sumatra’s
Nepenthes spathulata to merit a separate
species distinction. However, more field
work needs to be conducted on this
matter.
In the wild, Nepenthes spathulata
grows both epiphytically and terrestrially.
It is typically epiphytic when growing in
mossy forest or lower montane forest,
and it is terrestrial when growing in
upper montane forest or on summit
ridges. Unlike other Nepenthes species,
Nepenthes spathulata infrequently produces
upper pitchers. Most pitchers produced
by the plant are lower pitchers.
In cultivation, Nepenthes spathulata
has proven to be an easy-to-grow
highland species. Mature specimens can
be seen in many botanical gardens
around the world. Interestingly, in recent
years, Nepenthes spathulata has proven to
be less popular among collectors,
meaning few specimens are available for
sale. Despite its lack of popularity among
collectors, Nepenthes spathulata makes an
easy windowsill plant for many growers
in subtropical and temperate climates.
Nepenthes spathulata
117
CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
Ultra-Highland Nepenthes
Ultra-highland plants typically grow
above 6,562 feet (2,000 m) above sea level.
They often require high levels of humidity,
although this is not always the case. In the
wild, they experience day temperatures
around 70° F (21° C) and nighttime
temperatures around 50° F (10° C).
Many of the most desirable - and often
poached - plants belong to the ultra-
highland group. Unsurprisingly, this is also
the group with the lowest rate of cultivation
success. Much like Darlingtonia, ultra-highland
Nepenthes require constant temperature
monitoring. Even one day of hot
temperatures can kill the growth point of
these fragile plants and retard growth for
months.
Many growers only find success with
these plants after constructing expensive and
technically challenging “freezer” terrariums.
These are typically fashioned out of freezers,
or sometimes wine chillers, lit with LEDs,
and programmed to chill the air inside when
the temperature exceed a certain threshold.
A programmable thermostat also allows for a
nighttime temperature drop to near freezing.
None of these plants are easy to grow,
and none are recommended for new growers
Nepenthes aristolochioides
or those without the resources to create an
ultra-highland environment.
N. aristolochioides
Nepenthes aristolochioides is among the most unique of Nepenthes, and, unfortunately, one that is most
probably extinct in the wild. Its little hunchbacked pitchers open in the front and are a deeply reminiscent of
the genus Aristolochia, a Dutchman’s Pipe. The pitchers are small, about as big as a child’s fist, and remarkably
difficult to form in cultivation. Like other ultra-highlanders, Nepenthes aristolochioides only produces pitchers in
the most ideal conditions.
Nepenthes aristolochioides requires a relatively high level of humidity in order to pitcher successfully, and
temperatures in cultivation should never exceed 85° F (29° C). At night, temperatures ideally will fall around
50° F (10° C).
118
NATCH GREYES
In recent years, Nepenthes aristolochioides has become one of
the most popular hybrid parents. Its influence on its progeny is
obvious. Unlike Nepenthes robcantleyi, which often does not have
a strong influence, Nepenthes aristolochioides does. As a
consequence, many of its hybrid offspring have pitchers that
look very much like Nepenthes aristolochioides. Unfortunately,
these hybrids also often require conditions closer to those of
Nepenthes aristolochioides.
N. edwardsiana / macrophylla / villosa
These
three
closely
related
Nepenthes are native to Mount Kinabalu
and Mount Tambuyukon in Borneo.
All three often experience temperatures
which drop to near freezing. As with
many other natives of those two
mountains,
Nepenthes
edwardsiana,
Nepenthes macrophylla, and Nepenthes
villosa grow in ultramafic soils in in
cool, mossy and subalpine forests, as
well as in cool, open areas. In all of
these areas, the relative humidity is
extremely high at all times. Such cool
to cold and humid atmosphere is
Nepenthes villosa
difficult to replicate in cultivation.
With their orangish colorations and toothy peristomes, these three species are
among the most desired of all ultra-highland Nepenthes among collectors.
Unfortunately, they are also among the most difficult to cultivate. The most common
setup in cultivation involves a modified chest freezer, which keeps the plant cold
while simultaneously exposing it to full sun. This is not the only possible set-up, but
N. macrophylla
certainly one of the easiest to build.
Recently,
Nepenthes
villosa has entered into
large-scale tissue culture.
Nepenthes edwardsiana and
Nepenthes macrophylla are
expected
to
follow
shortly. This change in
propagation methods has
allowed Nepenthes villosa to
become widely available.
This has allowed growers
to begin experimenting
with growing conditions,
A diagram of Mount Kinabalu showing Nepenthes
and plants to become
distribution, altitude, and climate.
markedly cheaper.
119
CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
The following table of all current Nepenthes species includes their distribution, altitudinal distribution, and
classification into horticultural groups in order to facilitate care:
Species
Distribution
Altitudinal Distribution
Classification
abalata
Cylion, Cyo, Malalison
0 - 66 ft. (0 - 20 m)
Ultra-Lowland
abgracilis
Mindanao
2,198 ft. (670 m)
Lowland
adnata
Sumatra
1,969 - 3,927 ft. (600 - 1,200 m)
Lowland
alata
Luzon
1,640 ft. (500+ m)
Lowland
alba
Peninsular Malaysia
5,249 - 7,175 ft. (1,600 - 2,187 m)
Highland
Borneo, Peninsular
albomarginata
Malaysia, Sumatra
0 - 3,609 ft. (0 - 1,100 m)
Lowland
Borneo, Maluku Islands,
New Guinea, Peninsular
Malaysia, Singapore,
Sumatra, Thailand,
ampullaria
Other Small Islands
0 - 6,890 ft. (0 - 2,100 m)
Ultra-Lowland
anagasanensis
Sumatra
7,218 - 9,186 ft. (2,200 - 2,800 m)
Ultra-Highland
andamana
Thailand
0 - 164 ft. (0 - 50 m)
Ultra-Lowland
appendiculata
Borneo
4,757 - 5,577 ft. (1,450 - 1,700 m)
Highland
argenti
Sibuyan
4,593 - 6,234 ft. (1,400 - 1,900 m)
Highland
aristolochioides
Sumatra
5, 906 - 8,202 ft. (1,800 - 2,500 m) Ultra-Highland
armin
Sibuyan
0 - 2,461 ft. (0 - 750 m)
Lowland
attenboroughii
Palawan
4,757 - 5,663 ft. (1,400 - 1,726 m)
Highland
beccariana
Nias
0 - 2,625 ft. (0 - 800 m)
Lowland
bellii
Dinagat, Mindanao
0 - 2,625 ft. (0 - 800 m)
Ultra-Lowland
benstonei
Peninsular Malaysia
492 - 4,429 ft. (150 - 1,350 m)
Lowland
bicalcarata
Borneo
0 - 3,117 ft. (0 - 950 m)
Ultra-Lowland
bokorensis
Cambodia
2,625 - 3,543 ft. (800 - 1,080 m)
Lowland
bongso
Sumatra
3,281 - 8,858 ft. (1,000 - 2,700 m)
Highland
boschinana
Borneo
3,937 - 5,906 ft. (1,200 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
burbidgeae
Borneo
3,937 - 5,906 ft. (1,200 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
burkei
Mindanao
3,609 - 6,562 ft. (1,100 - 2,000 m)
Intermediate
campanulata
Borneo
328 - 984 ft. (100 - 300 m)
Lowland
ceciliae
Mindanao
4,921 - 6,168 ft. (1,500 - 1,880 m)
Highland
chang
Thailand
984 - 1,969 ft. (300 - 600 m)
Ultra-Lowland
chaniana
Borneo
3,609 - 5,906 ft. (1,100 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
cid
Mindanao
2,526 ft. (770 m)
Intermediate
clipeata
Borneo
1,969 - 2,625 ft. (600 - 800 m)
Lowland
copelandii
Mindanao
3,609 - 7,874 ft. (1,100 - 2,400 m)
Intermediate
cornuta
Mindanao
3,281 ft. (1,000 m)
Intermediate
120
NATCH GREYES
Maluku Islands, Raja
danseri
Ampat Islands
0 - 1,050 ft. (0 - 320 m)
Ultra-Lowland
deaniana
Palawan
3,871 - 4,252 ft. (1,180 - 1,296 m)
Intermediate
5,577 - 10,499 ft. (1,700 - 3,200
densiflora
Sumatra
m)
Ultra-Highland
diatas
Sumatra
7,874 - 9,514 ft. (2,400 - 2,900 m)
Ultra-Highland
distillatoria
Sri Lanka
0 - 2,297 ft. (0 - 700 m)
Ultra-Lowland
dubia
Sumatra
5,240 - 8,858 ft. (1,600 - 2,700 m)
Ultra-Highland
edwardsiana
Borneo
5,240 - 8,858 ft. (1,600 - 2,700 m)
Ultra-Highland
ephippiata
Borneo
4,265 - 6,562 ft. (1,300 - 2,000 m)
Intermediate
epiphytica
Borneo
3,281 ft. (1,000 m)
Highland
eustachya
Sumatra
0 - 5,249 ft. (0 - 1,600 m)
Lowland
eymae
Sulawesi
3,281 - 6,562 ft. (1,000 - 2,000 m)
Intermediate
faizaliana
Borneo
1,312 - 5,249 ft. (400 - 1,600 m)
Lowland
flava
Sumatra
5,906 - 7,218 ft. (1,800 - 2,200 m)
Highland
fusca
Borneo
984 - 8,202 ft. (300 - 2,500 m)
Intermediate
gantungensis
Palawan
5,249 - 5,853 ft. (1,600 - 1,784 m)
Highland
glabrata
Sulawesi
5,249 - 6,890 ft. (1,600 - 2,100 m)
Highland
glandulifera
Borneo
3,609 - 5,577 ft. (1,100 - 1,700 m)
Intermediate
Bohol, Leyte, Luzon,
Mindanao, Mindoro,
graciliflora
Panay, Samar, Sibuyan
984 - 4,199 ft. (300 - 1,280 m)
Intermediate
Borneo, Peninsular
Malaysia, Singapore,
Sulawesi, Sumatra,
Thailand, Other Small
gracilis
Islands
0 - 3,609 ft. (0 - 1,100 m)
Lowland
gracillima
Peninsular Malaysia
4,593 - 6,562 ft. (1,400 - 2,000 m)
Highland
gymnaphora
Java, Sumatra
1,969 - 9,186 ft. (600 - 2,800 m)
Highland
hamata
Sulawesi
4,593 - 8,202 ft. (1,400 - 2,500 m)
Highland
hamiguitanensis
Mindanao
3,937 - 5,249 ft. (1,200 - 1,600 m)
Intermediate
hemsleyana
Borneo
0 - 656 ft. (0 - 200 m)
Ultra-Lowland
hirsuta
Borneo
656 - 3,281 ft. (200 - 1,000 m)
Lowland
hispida
Borneo
328 - 2,625 ft. (100 - 800 m)
Lowland
holdenii
Cambodia
1,969 - 2,625 ft. (600 - 800 m)
Lowland
hurrelliana
Borneo
4,265 - 7,874 ft. (1,300 - 2,400 m)
Highland
inermis
Sumatra
4,921 - 8,513 ft. (1,500 - 2,600 m)
Ultra-Highland
New Guinea, Schouten
insignis
Islands
0 - 2,789 ft. (0 - 850 m)
Ultra-Lowland
izumiae
Sumatra
5,577 - 6,234 ft. (1,700 - 1,900 m)
Highland
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CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
jacquelineae
Sumatra
5,577 - 7,218 ft. (1,700 - 2,200 m)
Highland
jamban
Sumatra
5,906 - 6,890 ft. (1,800 - 2,100 m)
Highland
junghuhnii
Sumatra
4,003 ft. (1,220 m)
Intermediate
Cambodia, Thailand,
kampotiana
Vietnam
0 - 1,969 ft. (0 - 600 m)
Ultra-Lowland
kerrii
Thailand
1,312 - 1,640 ft. (400 - 500 m)
Ultra-Lowland
khasiana
India
1,640 - 4,921 ft. (500 - 1,500 m)
Lowland
kitanglad
Mindanao
5,906 - 6,890 ft. (1,800 - 2,100 m)
Highland
klossii
New Guinea
3,051 - 6,562 ft. (930 - 2,000 m)
Intermediate
kongkandana
Thailand
0 - 164 ft. (0 - 50 m)
Ultra-Lowland
10,499 - 11,778 ft. (3,200 - 3,590
lamii
New Guinea
m)
Ultra-Highland
lavicola
Sumatra
6,562 - 8,530 ft. (2,000 - 2,600 m)
Ultra-Highland
leonardoi
Palawan
4,265 - 4,888 ft. (1,300 - 1,490 m)
Intermediate
lingulata
Sumatra
5,577 - 6,890 ft. (1,700 - 2,100 m)
Highland
longifolia
Sumatra
984 - 3,609 ft. (300 - 1,100 m)
Lowland
lowii
Borneo
5,413 - 8,530 ft. (1,650 - 2,600 m)
Highland
macfarlanei
Peninsular Malaysia
2,953 - 7,054 ft. (900 - 2,150 m)
Highland
macrophylla
Borneo
7,218 - 8,668 ft. (2,200 - 2,642 m)
Ultra-Highland
macrovulgaris
Borneo
984 - 3,937 ft. (300 - 1,200 m)
Lowland
madagascariensis
Madagascar
0 - 1,640 ft. (0 - 500 m)
Ultra-Lowland
mantalingajanensis
Palawan
5,577 - 6,841 ft. (1,700 - 2,085 m)
Highland
mapuluensis
Borneo
2,297 - 2,625 ft. (700 - 800 m)
Lowland
masoalensis
Madagascar
0 - 1,312 ft. (0 - 400 m)
Ultra-Lowland
D'Entrecasteaux Islands,
Maluku Islands, New
maxima
Guinea, Sulawesi
131 - 8,530 ft. (40 - 2,600 m)
Intermediate
merrilliana
Dinagat, Mindanao
0 - 3,609 ft. (0 - 1,100 m)
Lowland
micramphora
Mindanao
3,609 - 5,264 ft. (1,100 - 1,635 m)
Intermediate
mikei
Sumatra
3,609 - 9,186 ft. (1,100 - 2,800 m)
Ultra-Highland
mindanaoensis
Dinagat, Mindanao
0 - 4,593 ft. (0 - 1,400 m)
Intermediate
mira
Palawan
5,085 - 5,266 ft. (1,550 - 1,605 m)
Highland
mirabilis
Southeast Asia
0 - 4,921 ft. (0 - 1,500 m)
Lowland
mollis
Borneo
5,906 ft. (1,800 m)
Intermediate
monticola
New Guinea
4,593 - 8,596 ft. (1,400 - 2,620 m)
Ultra-Highland
muluensis
Borneo
5,577 - 7,874 ft. (1,700 - 2,400 m)
Highland
murudensis
Borneo
6,562 - 7,949 ft. (2,000 - 2,423 m)
Ultra-Highland
naga
Sumatra
4,921 - 6,562 ft. (1,500 - 2,000 m)
Highland
negros
Biliran, Negros
2,625 ft. (800 m)
Intermediate
122
NATCH GREYES
D'Entrecasteaux Islands,
New Guinea, Raja
neoguineensis
Ampat islands
0 - 4,593 ft. (0 - 1,400 m)
Lowland
nigra
Sulawesi
4,921 - 8,858 ft. (1,500 - 2,700 m)
Highland
northiana
Borneo
0 - 1,640 ft. (0 - 500 m)
Ultra-Lowland
ovata
Sumatra
5,577 - 6,890 ft. (1,770 - 2,100 m)
Highland
palawanensis
Palawan
3,609 - 4,055 ft. (1,100 - 1,236 m)
Intermediate
paniculata
New Guinea
4,790 ft. (1,460 m)
Intermediate
pantaronensis
Mindanao
3,281 - 4,921 ft. (1,000 - 1,500 m)
Intermediate
pauana
New Guinea
0 - 4,265 ft. (0 - 1,300 m)
Lowland
peltata
Mindanao
2,838 - 5,364 ft. (865 - 1,635 m)
Lowland
pervellei
Seychelles
1,148 - 2,461 ft. (350 - 750 m)
Lowland
petiolata
Mindanao
4,757 - 6,234 ft. (1,450 - 1,900 m)
Intermediate
Busuanga, Coron,
Culion, Linapacan,
philippinensis
Palawan
0 - 1,969 ft. (0 - 600 m)
Ultra-Lowland
pilosa
Borneo
5,249 ft. (1,600 m)
Intermediate
pitopangii
Sulawesi
4,593 - 5,906 ft. (1,400 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
platychila
Borneo
2,953 - 4,593 ft. (900 - 1,400 m)
Intermediate
pulchra
Mindanao
4,265 - 5,906 ft. (1,300 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
Borneo, Peninsular
Malaysia, Singapore,
rafflesiana
Sumatra
0 - 3,937 ft. (0 - 1,200 m)
Lowland
rajah
Borneo
4,921 - 8,694 ft. (1,500 - 2,650 m)
Highland
ramispina
Peninsular Malaysia
2,953 - 6,562 ft. (900 - 2,000 m)
Intermediate
Borneo, Sumatra, Other
reinwardtiana
Small Islands
0 - 7,218 ft. (0 - 2,200 m)
Intermediate
rhombicaulis
Sumatra
5,249 - 6,562 ft. (1,600 - 2,000 m)
Highland
rigidfolia
Sumatra
3,281 - 5,249 ft. (1,000 - 1,600 m)
Intermediate
robcantleyi
Mindanao
5,906 ft. (1,800 m)
Intermediate
rosea
Peninsular Thailand
1,476 - 1,706 ft. (450 - 520 m)
Lowland
rowanae
Australia
0 - 262 ft. (0 - 80 m)
Ultra-Lowland
samar
Samar
0 - 3,281 ft. (0 - 1,000 m)
Lowland
Peninsular Malaysia,
sanguinea
Thailand
984 - 5,906 ft. (300 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
saranganiensis
Mindanao
5,906 - 6,890 ft. (1,800 - 2,100 m)
Highland
sibuyanensis
Sibuyan
4,101 - 4,921 ft. (1,250 - 1,500 m)
Intermediate
singalana
Sumatra
6,562 - 9,514 ft. (2,000 - 2,900 m)
Ultra-Highland
Cambodia, Laos,
smilesii
Thailand, Vietnam
0 - 4,921 ft. (0 - 1,500 m)
Lowland
123
CULTIVATING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
sp. Anipahan
Palawan
3,937 - 4,593 ft. (1,200 - 1,400 m)
Intermediate
sp. Misool
Raja Ampat Islands
0 - 98 ft. (0 - 30 m)
Ultra-Lowland
sp. New Guinea
New Guinea
4,921+ ft. (1,500+ m)
Highland
spathulata
Java, Sumatra
3,609 - 9,514 ft. (1,100 - 2,900 m)
Highland
spectabilis
Sumatra
4,593 - 7,218 ft. (1,400 - 2,200 m)
Highland
stenophylla
Borneo
2,625 - 8,530 ft. (800 - 2,600 m)
Intermediate
sumagaya
Mindanao
5,249 - 7,272 ft. (1,600 - 2,247 m)
Highland
sumatrana
Sumatra
0 - 2,625 ft. (0 - 800 m)
Ultra-Lowland
suratensis
Thailand
0 - 656 ft. (0 - 200 m)
Ultra-Lowland
surigaoensis
Mindanao
2,625 - 3,927 ft. (800 - 1,200 m)
Lowland
talaandig
Mindanao
3,281 ft. (1,000 m)
Intermediate
talangensis
Sumatra
5,906 - 8,202 ft. (1,800 - 2,500 m)
Highland
tboli
Mindanao
5,906 - 6,890 ft. (1,800 - 2,100 m)
Highland
tenax
Australia
0 - 262 ft. (0 - 80 m)
Ultra-Lowland
tentaculata
Borneo, Sulawesi
1,312 - 8,366 ft. (400 - 2,550 m)
Intermediate
tenuidon
Luzon
4,003 ft. (1,220 m)
Intermediate
tenuis
Sumatra
3,281 - 3,937 ft. (1,000 - 1,200 m)
Intermediate
thai
Thailand
1,640 - 3,937 ft. (500 - 1,200 m)
Lowland
thorelii
Vietnam
33 - 66 ft. (10 - 20 m)
Ultra-Lowland
tobaica
Sumatra
1,247 - 5,906 ft. (380 - 1,800 m)
Intermediate
tomoriana
Sulawesi
0 - 1,640 ft. (0 - 500 m)
Ultra-Lowland
New Guinea, Raja
treubiana
Ampat Islands
0 - 262 ft. (0 - 80 m)
Ultra-Lowland
truncata
Dinagat, Mindanao
0 - 4,921 ft. (0 - 1,500 m)
Lowland
ultra
Luzon
0 - 1,312 ft. (0 - 400 m)
Lowland
undulatifolia
Sulawesi
5,906 ft. (1,800 m)
Highland
veitchii
Borneo
0 - 5,249 ft. (0 - 1,600 m)
Lowland
ventricosa
Luzon, Panay, Sibuyan
3,281 - 6,562 ft. (1,000 - 2,000 m)
Intermediate
vieillardii
New Caledonia
0 - 2,789 ft. (0 - 850 m)
Ultra-Lowland
5,249 - 10,630 ft. (1,600 - 3,240
villosa
Borneo
m)
Ultra-Highland
Dinagat, Samar, Other
viridis
Small Islands
0 - 1,312 ft. (0 - 400 m)
Ultra-Lowland
vogelii
Borneo
3,281 - 4,921 ft. (1,000 - 1,500 m)
Intermediate
zygon
Mindanao
5,906 ft. (1,800 m)
Intermediate
124