East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
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.
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Nepenthes and wildlife
Nepenthes has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
