Nepenthes rafflesiana
Tropical Pitcher Plants
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Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Description
Nepenthes rafflesiana (/nɨˈpɛnθiːzræˌfliːziˈɑːnə/; after Stamford Raffles), or Raffles' Pitcher-Plant, is a species of tropical pitcher plant. It has a very wide distribution covering Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore. Nepenthes rafflesiana is extremely variable, with numerous forms and varieties described. In Borneo alone, there are at least three distinct varieties. The giant form of this species produces enormous pitchers rivalling those of N. rajah in size.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Blooming
Dioecious. Blooms small, petalless male and female flowers.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Growth
Very diverse genus of climbers, terrestrial, and epiphytic perennials. Grows best with partial shade, or bright filtered light, and prefers high humidity. Indoors, grow plants in slatted baskets. Where not hardy, raise monkey cups in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. A warm greenhouse has a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C). During the day, temperatures should be set to 55-64°F (13-18°C) or above, and at night, the temperature should be at 55°F (13°C).In tropical climates, grow climbing species through species and epiphytes on branches.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Planting
When ripe, sow seeds on the surface of moist peat or fine coconut fiber and place in a tray of water in the shade. Maintain a temperature of 81ºF (27ºC). In spring, insert cuttings with a few leaves into the soil nepenthes mix described below. Keep at 70-81ºF (21-27ºC). Conduct air-layering in spring or summer.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Pest
Leaves are prone to gray mold. Watch for mealybug pests.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Interesting facts
The word Nepenthes is derived from Homer's Odyssey where Helen drinks an elixir called Nepenthe. Nepenthe is used as an anti-depressent or medicine for sorrow. This medicine is said to have the ability to make one forget one's sorrow. The word literally means "no sorrow/grief/mourning". Carolus Linnaeus originally characterized the genus in his horticultural work called Hortus Cliffortianus where he goes on to say that "past ills would be forgotten when beholding" this newly described carnivorous plant.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes rafflesiana) - Soil and irrigation
Does best in moist, open, leafy soil. Indoors, use a mix of 2 parts bark, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part coarse peat or coconut fiber. Another option is to use clean, live sphagnum moss.
