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Post by silenicus on Jun 10, 2014 13:26:18 GMT
[imghttps://www.flickr.com/gp/123922060@N07/P1H3i4[\img] This is my first Nepenthes. I bought it at a local nursery and have seen them at Whole Foods as well. It thrived on the porch all last summer. Highs were usually in the 90s and frequently over 100. I have not left it out below 60. Inside it grew slower and produced fewer smaller pitchers. It produced a healthy looking rosette while inside for the winter. I'm very pleased with his plant but don't know what it is. Could it be an alata or an alata hybrid? Which plants are common in stores and nurseries? I can add pictures, just let me know what you need to look at. Thanks
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Post by silenicus on Jun 10, 2014 13:28:49 GMT
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Post by paulbarden on Jun 10, 2014 14:06:16 GMT
That is almost certainly Nepenthes Ventrata, a hybrid commonly found in Home Depot, etc. it's an easy hybrid, and tolerates a variety of conditions. You don't need to be quite as concerned about avoiding temps under 60F, as this plant will tolerate (and perhaps even prefer) night temps that go into the low 50s F. It appears you are growing it in shady conditions, given how richly green the foliage is, yes? You may want to gradually acclimate it to getting a few hours of direct sun in the morning, up until 9:30 or even 10:00 AM, but watch for sunburn. The foliage of this variety should have a slightly yellow-green appearance, rather than a deep grass green color. Many of the plants in this photo illustrate the color I mean (some varieties take on a reddish blush in bright light, as you can see): (The pitcher in this photo is NOT Ventrata, it is N. naga, a different species. The photo is to show you leaf color.) If you can slowly acclimate your Ventrata to brighter light conditions, you will see larger, more richly colored pitchers being produced. When it is thriving, N. Ventrata can be a wonderfully rewarding hybrid to grow! Keep up the good work. This is my Ventrata, showing both leaf color and the rich red the pitchers can get:
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Post by silenicus on Jun 10, 2014 15:30:00 GMT
Mostly bright shade with a couple of hours of direct sun in the morning and evening. These pictures were taken last year. I'm thinking that there is more yellow in the leaves this year but I will compare the photo to be sure. The rosette is very green and several leaves are turning yellow as the stems become woody.
I had assumed that it was a lowlander because it did so well in the heat of the summer. It would rather be outside. I'll let it stay out a little longer this year.
Thanks for the information. I'll work on getting it enough sun.
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Post by silenicus on Jun 11, 2014 13:31:38 GMT
I took a closer look at the foliage last night. The leaves are yellowish lower down on the stems but are greener higher up. However, many of the higher leaves have some red on them. I have a few new pitchers growing, but most of what I have are still the winter pitchers. I can extend the outdoor season considerably by allowing it to stay out below 60. I may be able to get it some more light by moving it to the back deck. I get some good morning light out there.
Anyway, thanks for the information.
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