Nepenthes alata D9 - A spectacular carnivorous plant!
Nepenthes alata is an epiphytic or terrestrial carnivorous plant from the Nepenthaceae family, native to the Philippines and other regions of Southeast Asia. It stands out for its cup-shaped traps, which are actually leaves modified to catch and digest insects. The traps are long, green with red edges, and have a digestive liquid inside, which attracts and decomposes the prey.
Nepenthes alata is definitely one of the most admired carnivorous plants. These are the plants that fit the stereotypical view of what carnivorous plants are.
Botanical description :
Leaves : Nepenthes alata has long, thin leaves that end in a cirrus and a tubular trap. The leaves are light green, and the traps can vary from green to deep red.
Traps : The traps are long, cylindrical, with a cover that prevents rainwater from diluting the digestive juices. The inner part is slippery, making catching insects easier.
Flowers : The plant produces small flowers, but they are not spectacular from an ornamental point of view. They are unisex, with separate male and female plants.
Brief Nepenthes alata care guide:
Light : Nepenthes alata prefers strong indirect light. It can tolerate weaker light, but the traps will be less colorful and smaller.
Water : Growers generally use rainwater, distilled or demineralized - but the plant also adapts to watering with normal water. The substrate must be kept constantly moist, but not soaked. The plant does not tolerate hard water or water with a high mineral content.
Humidity : Being a tropical plant, Nepenthes alata needs high humidity, preferably between 50-80%. It can be grown in terrariums or greenhouses to maintain these optimal conditions. The plant can also grow in conditions of lower humidity, but the cups will not be as vigorous and healthy.
Substrate : Use a substrate with good drainage, consisting of sphagnum moss, perlite and pine bark. Do not plant Nepenthes in ordinary soil, because its roots need an aerated mixture that is low in nutrients. We recommend substrate for insectivores .
Temperature : This species prefers moderate to high temperatures, between 20-30°C during the day and over 15°C at night. Nepenthes alata is relatively resistant to temperature variations, but too low temperatures can affect its growth.
Fertilization : Normally, Nepenthes alata does not require fertilization, because it obtains its nutrients from captured insects. If it is grown indoors, where it does not catch many insects, you can spray a diluted solution of orchid fertilizer once a month.
By observing these conditions, Nepenthes alata will develop healthy and colorful traps, adding an exotic element to any space.
IMPORTANT: Insectivorous / carnivorous plants do not pose any kind of danger to humans. Their digestive juice is at most a good hand sanitizer!
Height with pots included: approx. 15 cm
Pot diameter: 9 cm
Note: The cups of this plant are sensitive and may show defects/damage due to variations in temperature and humidity. Under optimal care conditions, the plant will develop new cups in a short time.