N. Northiana

[NavyBrush]

Does anyone know where I can buy N. Northiana? I have been searching the web, but could not find a seller of this species.

Thanks!!

[joegriffin]

www.petflytrap.com/Categories.bok?category=Plants%3ACarnivorous%3ATropical+Pitcher+Plants+%28Nepenthes%29&searchpath=10760821&start=126&total=207

[NavyBrush]

Thanks!

Has anyone else used petflytrap.com to buy neps? I dont want to buy a dud for $40.

[herwis01]

Look at www.wistuba.com, there you will find what you are looking for.

[herwis01]

I made a fault in my last post, excuse please. The righr URL is www.wistuba.com/.

[NavyBrush]

thanks for the responses. I ordered it. I was wondering however what type of soil Northiana needs. There are many debates as to weather the soil should be alkaline or acidic. But a general agreement is that it has to be a very loose and open mixture. What do you all suggest?

[Dave Evans]

No peat moss at all. Dolomitic lime, not calcitic lime. A loose, open mix is a must.

I use a little dolomitic lime in my regular nep mix, cannot see why it wouldn't be good for N. northiana... Just don't over-do-it. The amount of lime the roots get at anyone time in the wild isn't much and it's buffered by the acidic peat usually present or nearby; so you don't need to use much.

[NavyBrush]

Would this lime work?

www.gardenharvestsupply.com/productcart/pc/Organic-Traditions-Garden-Lime-5-lb-Bag-p3210.htm

It says "you can safely apply Garden Lime at the rate of 2-1/2 to 5-lbs. per 100 sq. ft. of soil."

How would that translate for my Northiana in a 5 inch pot? Thank you!!!

[NavyBrush]

I just got my northiana, and I'm planning on using a 1:1:1 mix of vermiculite, perlite, and charcoal. Is this a good mix? Also can someone confirm that it likes low light and high humidity.

[peterhewitt]

As for the the light and Humidity, yes... these need to be high for N.Northiana. But as for the best media to use, this is subject to much debate.
I myself am very tentative when approaching these Ultramafic growing Nepenthes. The mix you propose is definitely one that I would try. I would also like to try growing a few in almost pure Perlite, with a layer of Coral chips at the bottom, Perhaps just a little Peat.
Some growers feel that these plants grow on these high in metal substrates despite the toxicity and not because of it, thus it does not need to replicated in cultivation.
I disagree however. These plants must have found some way to utilize elements in the soil, so replicating it can only be good for them.
Thats my opinion though.