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 × ventrata is hybrid of Nepenthes alata and Nepenthes ventricosa. It’s one of the easiest nepenthes to grow, and bears dramatic red pitchers. Perfect for the bathroom, conservatory or greenhouse, it’s ideally suited to growing in a hanging basket, where its pitchers can trail below.
For best results grow Nepenthes × ventrata 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.
