Re: Nepenthes for Beginners
CMDodd@aol.com
Mon, 4 Dec 1995 21:11:31 -0500
Which Nepenthes is best for beginners often becomes a matter of which species
is available, but beyond that, one of the best would be the glossy
green-pitchered forms of N. alata. I have been told these originate in
Mindanao, the green and/or red hairy (more like fuzzy) forms coming from
Luzon. These green smooth N. alata offer several advantages. They are readily
available and inexpensive. They are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures
and light. I have grown them in full sun which turns the leaves red to fairly
dense shade. They have survived not only temperatures in excess of 100
degrees F., but also one plant left outside survived between 29-31 F. with
little damage and fully recovered. There were icicles less than 10 feet away!
N. alata is very easy from cuttings and in some cases a single node will do.
It is tolerant of a wide range of media. Though not the most beautiful of
species they are a tough customer and generally display many long-lasting
elegant traps.
A second choice might be the Bornean form of N. maxima, which is not only
tough but very beautiful. It is more difficult to find but has been spread
around in cultivation to some extent. It too is supposedly hardly to just
below freezing though this has not been tried personally. N. maxima (male)
originally from Longwood Gardens is one clone and there is a similar female
that originated in Australia (as far as can be traced back) that is
exceptionally nice and an easy grower. California Carnivores had plants of
this not long ago.
Once these are growing well for you, you're hooked!
Cliff