Nepenthes in Florida?

[tmclellan]

Dose anyone have info on growing Nepenthes outside year round in WPB Florida?
What types would do best / worst?

Thanks

[stevestewart]

Hello Tom,

Many lowland species and hybrids do well in South Florida. Nepenthes mirabilis and N. gracilis and N. x hookeriana are always safe to begin with. I have seen nice N. x ventrata, growing out in Boca Raton. There are some very nice "old" hybrids that have been re-done that would be worth trying (the red N. x hookeriana comes to mind). If you can get around to meet some growers in your area, and to the USF plant sale this month in Tampa, on the 13 &14, you might see some of the experts that can help you out with selections.

Take care,
Steven Stewart

[tmclellan]

Thanks Steve.
I plan on going to Tampa work permitting.

[flbunehugr]

You should be able to grow many of the lowland species and a number of hybrids outside. They may require some protection if it gets cold or the humidity drops during the winter months. You'll probably also have to figure out lighting. Mine get partial shade under a large oak in my pool cage. I grow Nepenthes outside on the southwest Gulf coast and have a N. bicalcarata that is literally rubbing against the top of a 15' pool cage after a number of years. It's gotten so big I can barely move it anymore. Start with something easy (ventricosa, bicalcarata, ventrata, sanquinea, maxima, gracilis, coccinea) & work up to the harder stuff as you figure out your growing conditions.