In article hal.fmhi.usf.edu!massey (Oliver T Massey CFS) writes:
>Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 07:10:12 -0700
>Reply-To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
>From: hal.fmhi.usf.edu!massey (Oliver T Massey CFS)
>Subject: Re: upper pitchers on Nepenthes
>>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
Just thought I'd ask: how long does it take on average to grow a mature
plant from seed for Nepenthes (mature could be a plant that is mature enough
to flower). Another way to put this is: In three years following sowing of
the seed how large are the pitchers on these plants?
Regards
Robert