How Do You Keep a Beast Down?

[Bohdisattva]

Hiya All-

In this Wistuba page, about half way down, you see a young lady holding a fairly large bical pitcher. My question is, does that plant look about 20" tall and maybe 5-6ft in diameter?

I always thought, that a pitcher that large with a leaf span that wide would normally come from a plant that would be much taller/longer?

Or could it be that we are not able to see the entire plant on that pic and it IS probably from a taller/longer plant?

But to those who agree that it is from a shorter plant, can you explain how growers can keep a beast down and yet still produce large pitchers?

Or do we just grow 10ft young ladies . . . he, he, he ;D.

www.wistuba.com/01b021931400a5f03/01b021931400a6606/01b02193140169304/index.html

Thanks to all who responds

Bo

[Brian Barnes]

Hi Bo! My guess is that the plant is actually quite old and has been a major producer of cuttings during it's life, leading to it's shorter actual leaf growth with super-sized mature pitchers. N. bicalcarata is a popular seller.

[Michael Catalani]

bohdisatfa said:

I always thought, that a pitcher that large with a leaf span that wide would normally come from a plant that would be much taller/longer?

A plant which is still producing lowers like this one would normally be still in the non-climbing rosette stage or has just entered the climbing stage.

In most Nepenthes, large rosettes can often be found on much older plants which have already produced other climbing stems. But N. bicalcarata produces large rosettes from the start. This plant really isnt doing anything much out of the ordinary. Any well grown N. bicalcarata can reach these dimensions. This is a large growing species, and a rather fast growing one as well.

By the way, the plant one picture above this one may be the same plant.

[lothianjavert]

Holy cow, that is some leafspan!! I'm new to CPs, so I only have a few nepenthes in the greenhouse at this point. Bicalcarata is one that I love, but... just don't have the space for! That photo just served to remind me why I can't buy one! (I still think it is such a cool nep though! Can't beat those 'fangs'! ;D )