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Common name:
Tropical
pitcher plant, Monkey cups |
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Scientific name:
Nepenthes |
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Common Info:
Nepenthes or "Monkey Cups" are tropical pitcher plants native to
parts of South East Asia, India, Madagascar and Australia and do
not require dormancy. Most are vines, but some remain compact in
habit. The name "Monkey Cups" comes from monkeys occasionally
drinking the fluid in the pitchers. |
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Care:
Nepenthes generally like bright light without much direct
sun. 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. Sun burn usually appears as red or dead zones
on the upper most growth, facing the sun or light. Do not allow
Nepenthes to dry out but do not leave sitting in water. They
benefit from moist media and occasional flooding to wash away
any accumulated salts. While Nepenthes often tolerate low
humidity, they usually stop making pitchers. Humid environments
such as greenhouses, terrariums or even tents made from sticks
and clear plastic bags can provide the needed humidity. Be sure
to provide some ventilation to prevent overheating and stagnant
air. Many people put their plants outdoors during warm, humid
weather. Some shade must be provided and bring the plant indoors
before temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. They thrive at
temperatures between 65-95 degrees F. Soil mix that contains any
combination of tree fern fiber, chopped fir bark, long fiber
sphagnum moss, peat moss and perlite works well. The media
should be well drained and open enough so air reaches the roots
which are typically blackish and fine. Repot if the media breaks
down, the plant dries out too quickly, or plant size indicates a
bigger pot. If you are growing the plant where it cannot catch
insects for long periods, you can add an occasional small insect
such as a fly, a grasshopper or a few very small insects to
mature pitchers although this is not normally needed.
Nepenthes will live for many years with proper care.
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Nepenthes
rafflesiana |
Nepenthes x
mixta |
Nepenthes x
ventrata |
Nepenthes
rafflesiana is one of my favorites. It is a lowland
species that comes in many different pitcher variations
and is an easy plant to keep. Bright florescent light,
85 degree day and 70 degree night temperatures with a
minimum of 80% humidity will keep these plants healthy
and growing. I've found that indoor mini greenhouses are
an ideal place to keep these and the other listed
Nepenthes. |
I
have grown N. x
mixta for many years now and am constantly amazed at the
variety of shapes and colours of the pitchers from my
clones. If the plant is kept in bright light at 85
degrees Fahrenheit with 80% humidity and a well draining
soil mix it will grow large and profusely. The plants
grow shorter vines and leaf spans of up to 36 inches tip
to tip. Eight inch pitchers are regular on a two foot
plant in the proper conditions. |
Nepenthes x
ventrata is a fast grower that sets out pitchers in
great abundance. It is a true vine that can reach five
foot lengths in less than a year. Care is the same as N.
x mixta. |
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