Lusting after Nepenthes and Pitchers - Orchid Board

Blondie · #1 08-10-2007, 10:14 PM

I am so fascinated by the large pitcher plants. The last time I was at Hausermann's, I saw so many and they were amazing. Alas, I don't think my apartment is quite humid enough for one to be happy. (It's hot and sticky in Chicago, but my apartment is not exactly dripping if you know what I mean.) But I really really want one. Probably a bad idea for a beginner/not perfect set-up person huh?

(But I'm secretly hoping someone tells me to go for it, just in case you have the urge to do that.)

Tommyr · #2 08-10-2007, 11:33 PM

Nepenthis will do fine in bright light. Don't worry too much about humidity. Use rain water or distilled water only. To induce pitchering spray with 1/4 strength Miracle grow or 10-10-10 fertilzer every 2-3 weeks. I do this in the spring. My Neps have been pitchering great this summer. Neps are easy!

slipperfreak · #3 08-10-2007, 11:35 PM

I have a Nepenthes, N. copelandii. I can tell you they need high humidity, 70% +, to form pitchers, but they will survive in low humidity. They also like fairly high light. There are 2 types, highlands and lowlands. I grow mine in a large glass case (similar to an orchidarium).

Pitcher plants that are easier to grow in the home are Sarracenia, as they are small enough to fit into hobby-sized terraria.

EDIT: Tommy, your method of inducing pitchers is one I have not heard of. I'll be sure to try it as I only have so much terrarium space for high humidity!

Tommyr · #4 08-10-2007, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

I have a Nepenthes, N. copelandii. I can tell you they need high humidity, 70% +, to form pitchers, but they will survive in low humidity. They also like fairly high light. There are 2 types, highlands and lowlands. I grow mine in a large glass case (similar to an orchidarium).

Pitcher plants that are easier to grow in the home are Sarracenia, as they are small enough to fit into hobby-sized terraria.

EDIT: Tommy, your method of inducing pitchers is one I have not heard of. I'll be sure to try it as I only have so much terrarium space for high humidity!

Sarrs will not do well in a terrarium. These (like VFTs) are OUTSIDE plants. Spraying Neps with ferts is a common trick.

Tom

slipperfreak · #5 08-10-2007, 11:47 PM

Tom, I have grown Sarrs in terraria for a couple years now. I just let them dry off a little and cool them over the winter via artificial vernalization as most are not hardy in my region for the garden (nor are Dionaea, which I also grow in terraria).

Tommyr · #6 08-10-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

Tom, I have grown Sarrs in terraria for a couple years now. I just let them dry off a little and cool them over the winter via artificial vernalization as most are not hardy in my region for the garden (nor are Dionaea, which I also grow in terraria).

I can't argue with success.

cb977 · #7 08-11-2007, 12:01 AM

I still can't make up my mind aobut the pitchers

but since we're on the subject:
are there any CPs that like shade?

slipperfreak · #8 08-11-2007, 12:24 AM

Pretty much all of them like moderate to bright light. When Sarracenia (American pitchers), Drosera (sundews), Pinguicula (butterworts) and Dionaea (VFTs) are grown outside, they usually are in full sun.

cb977 · #9 08-11-2007, 01:31 AM

Thanks for the info. That's what I've been finding in my research but thought I might have been missing something.

Blondie · #10 08-11-2007, 10:32 AM

Ack! You've gone all technical on me and my brain hurts.

But seriously, thank you so much for all of the wonderful information. As I grow and learn as an orchid lover, this is all going to be super useful (once I learn more technical terms). In the meantime, Slipperfreak--do you have any photos of your pitcher in the case that you could share? I would love to see what you are talking about. Photos really help me out.