- Botanical name: Nepenthes x mixta
- Common name: Pitcher plant
- Family: Nepenthaceae
- Plant Type: Conservatory, House plant, Evergreen
Green
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
Nepenthes are carnivorous pitcher plants native to the jungles of South East Asia, India, Madagascar and Australia. They’re sometimes known as ‘Monkey Cups’, due to monkeys’ habit of drinking from the pitchers.
The pitcher is actually a leaf mutation, which has evolved to attract, and then trap, insects. Once trapped, insects fall into a sort of ‘soup’ at the bottom of each pitcher, and its nutrients are digested and absorbed into the plant.
No harder to grow than orchids, nepenthes make the perfect houseplant, and are suitable for growing in a greenhouse or conservatory. If given the right amount of light, a humid bathroom can be the perfect spot for them.
Nepenthes x mixta bears huge pitchers, up to 30cm in length. Lime green with red spotting, and a large red lip, they are particularly attractive, and can make a real focal point as a houseplant.
For best results grow Nepenthes x mixta at room temperature in nutrient-poor compost in a pot or hanging basket. Keep humidity levels up and don’t allow the compost to dry out – ideally water with rainwater. Keep in a light spot but out of direct sunlight. There is no need to feed – it will catch its own food.
How to grow Nepenthes mixta
-
Plant size
70cm height
30cm spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do Plant in December |
Nepenthes mixta and wildlife
Nepenthes mixta has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Nepenthes mixta poisonous?
Nepenthes mixta has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Nepenthes mixta
