Nepenthes is a genus of carnivorous plants, also known as tropical pitcher plants. The genus includes numerous natural and cultivated hybrids. Hybrids refer to a plant (or grex of plants) that are created from at least two species (though can contain many more species/hybrids).
Generalised Growing Care for Nepenthes Hybrids (Please do further research on particular hybrids)
Sunlight: Indirect bright light. I grow my Nepenthes in either a grow tent with grow lights or in a shade house with 50% shadecloth. Direct sunlight or light that is too intense may burn Nepenthes. Too little light and the plant will not produce any pitchers.
Temperature: Nepenthes hybrids tend to exhibit 'hybrid vigor', which means they grow in a range of temperatures better than what their parents would be able to do. The below outlines a rough guide to what conditions hybrids best grow in with regards to what type the hybrid's parents are (there will be exceptions!).
Lowland x Lowland = Lowland Conditions
Lowland x Intermediate = Intermediate Conditions
Lowland x Highland = Intermediate Conditions
Intermediate x Highland = Intermediate Conditions
Highland x Highland = Highland Conditions
See Nepenthes Species for more details in regarding temperature conditions for these types of Nepenthes.
Watering: Nepenthes like to be moist without being soaked. Rainwater is highly recommended or filtered water as tap water can contain harsh salts and minerals that can build up and kill Nepenthes. Using a pot saucer can be a handy way to keep the pot damp without overdoing it. If Nepenthes are kept too wet or sit in too much water, they can experience root rot and may die.
Humidity: Nepenthes grow in tropical environments that generally have high humidity. Recommended humidity range for Nepenthes is between 60% - 80%, anything lower and the plant may stop producing pitchers (some hybrids can adapt over time and others are more tolerant of lower humidity). If humidity is kept above 90% consistently, it is crucial there is adequate air flow or fungal and viral infections can arise. Consistent humidity is also important for plant health and pitcher productivity, so avoid fluctuations if possible.
Media: I grow my Nepenthes in either a 1:1 ratio of sphagnum moss and perlite or a 1:1 ratio of coco-chips and perlite. Perlite is important as it allows the media to breathe when wet and reduces the risk of root rot.
Dormancy: Nepenthes do not go dormant but will slow down during periods of cooler temperatures and shorter days. This can result in the plant not pitchering and is completely normal.
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