Nepenthes or pitcher plants belong to the carnivorous plants. They are conspicuous for their sometimes huge pitchers, which are used to catch insects. There are countless species of pitcher plant. They differ in a few points in their requirements for care and location.

The shape and color of the pitchers varies depending on the species of Nepenthes

There are around 100 species of Nepenthes worldwide

So far, experts assume there are around 100 different species of pitcher plant. Since many varieties are at home in rainforests, new species are always being discovered.

There are also numerous crossings that can cope with less high temperatures. They are usually also more robust and develop larger pitchers.

The plants offered in local nurseries and hardware stores are almost exclusively hybrids. Upland and lowland hybrids are only available in specialist nurseries.

The different species of Nepenthes

Basically, pitcher plants are divided into two main types. In addition, there are the hybrids that are the result of crosses:

  • Highland Nepenthes
  • Lowland Nepenthes
  • Nepenthes hybrids

Claims of the Lowland Nepenthes

Lowland Nepenthes comes from altitudes up to a maximum of 1,200 meters. The plant needs consistent, preferably warm temperatures of around 30 degrees. The temperatures should never be lower than 25 degrees. This species does not tolerate a subsidence during the night.

Claims of the Highland Pitcher Plant

Experts speak of highland Nepenthes when the plants are at home at altitudes of over 1,200 meters. They can only be properly cared for in a greenhouse or in a terrarium.

Upland species such as Nepenthes alata prefer daytime temperatures of around 25 degrees. At night, the temperature must be lowered to 10-16 degrees. This cannot be achieved in a normal flower window.

Nepenthes species are protected

In nature, pitcher plants are threatened with extinction. This is largely due to deforestation. All Nepenthes species are therefore on the Red List of Threatened Species. The plant is protected by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Therefore, never buy pitcher plants of unknown origin. This makes you liable to prosecution and you may have to pay high fines.

tips

It used to be reserved for botanists and gardeners with greenhouses to cultivate Nepenthes. In the meantime, many crosses have been bred that can also be kept indoors. Nevertheless, the pitcher plant is not an ornamental plant for absolute beginners.

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Vegetable garden