Re: upper pitchers on Nepenthes

Oliver T Massey CFS (massey@hal.fmhi.usf.edu)
Fri, 17 Jun 1994 10:05:19 -0400

>There are two things to consider here. the first thing
>to consider is that a carnivorous plant will always give
>up its carnivory if it is in nutrient rich soil or if
>it is in stress.
>The second thing to consider is that it is often difficult
>to get a Nepenthes to produce upper pitcher in captivity.
>Usually, you need extreme humidity and extreme light to
>get a Nepenthes to produce upper pitchers.
>Chris, I've read in JEBB that an indication N.ampullaria is getting ready
>to flower is that it stops pitcher production.
>This is a good point. It could be that the N.alata is just darned happy
>and is getting ready to flower.

>>(and other responses not included)

Thanks for the suggestions from everyone. As a matter of fact, of the three
plants that I am concerned about, the alata was acquired from a greenhouse that
used those little round pellets of fertilizer, and the other two stopped upper
pitcher production about the time they flowered. These two have since produced
basal rosettes that are pitchering, while the upper growth just keeps sending
out leaves. Maybe I'll take some cuttings for insurance and move them into
more sun outside.

>>Thus, I put my seeds out
>>on to the front porch where they have been in full sun (well, sun that
>>has been filtered through a screen). The seeds are now entering their
>>second week and I am not sure what to do with them in this heat wave.
>>(and other comment on N. seed)

The N. maxima seeds I received from the seed bank are also sprouting. Of about
25+ seeds I planted, 7 have germinated so far, with a few producing their first
pinhead "trap". Seeds were sown in live or semi-live sphagnum and kept in just
enough water to cover the bottom of the tray. I used pressed peat pots that I
can't recommend. Our heat is 90+, which might explain the 7/25 germination
rate so far, but I germinate all my seeds under lights. I have never had good
luck maintaining a stable moisture level in the sun. One bright, gusty
afternoon down here will suck gallons of moisture out of a bedding tray. I
usually try to tuck the seeds under a corner of living sphagnum to help keep
them moist.

Tom in Fl