Has anyone ever attempted an in-the-field analysis of soils in
which Nepenthes grow? If so, has the study been published?
Some parameters of interest are pH, soil constituents,
identification of the various chemicals that are present
(tannins, alkaloids, etc.), and possible identification of
symbiotic microorganisms.
Yes, there has been some passing mention in the literature of these
things but I have not yet seen any detailed studies. What are the
specific soil constituents, what are the specific tannins, alkaloids
(and others) that are present? An analysis of the run-off water after
a rain would be illuminating. Are certain microorganisms consistently
found in the soil where Nepenthes grow? Might these microorganisms
be beneficial to the plants?
This information would vary from location to location, but such a
study might find some interesting things common to all localities
where Nepenthes are found.
If I have another chance to visit Malaysia, I hope to bring a pH
meter and some other tools so that I can do a preliminary field study.
Perhaps some of the subscribers who live in "Nepenthes Heaven" might
start the effort? (Mr. Yeo, Dr. Tan, etc.)
Readers might wonder why I'm interested, especially since I grow
some Nepenthes successfully in sphagnum/perlite mix and without regard
to the above details. Well, it has to do with the nasty slow-growers
like N. edwardsiana and N. villosa. Compared to other species from
tissue culture, these plants are practically static. Several people
I've talked to have independently confirmed my own observation.
The plants in nature _must_ grow faster than this. If not, then the
seedlings would be overwhelmed by the myriad other plants that grow in
such a warm and humid environment. I find it so hard to believe that a
N. edwardsiana seedling in its natural habitat would take over five
years to grow maybe a half meter. Trees grow faster than that!
So, to repeat, is anyone aware of detailed studies concerning soils in
Nepenthes habitats?
Does anyone have suggestions or comments about speeding the growth of
N. edwardsiana and N. villosa?
Regards,
Perry Malouf