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Nepenthes x mixta

Pitcher plant

Botanical name: Nepenthes x mixta
Common name: Pitcher plant
Family: Nepenthaceae
Plant Type: Conservatory, House plant, Evergreen

Foliage colour:

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

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Plant	Do Plant in January	Do not Plant in February	Do Plant in March	Do Plant in April	Do Plant in May	Do Plant in June	Do Plant in July	Do Plant in August	Do Plant in September	Do Plant in October	Do Plant in November	Do Plant in December