Nepenthes alata D9 - A spectacular carnivorous plant!

Nepenthes alata is a carnivorous epiphytic or terrestrial plant in the family Nepenthaceae, native to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is notable for its cup-shaped traps, which are actually modified leaves for catching and digesting insects. The traps are long, green with red edges, and have a digestive fluid inside, which attracts and decomposes prey.

Nepenthes alata is certainly one of the most admired carnivorous plants. These are the plants that correspond to the stereotypical vision of what carnivorous plants are.

Botanical description :
Leaves : Nepenthes alata has long, thin leaves that end in a spine and a tubular trap. The leaves are light green, and the traps can range from green to deep red.
Traps : Traps are long, cylindrical, with a lid that prevents rainwater from diluting the digestive juices. The inside is slippery, making it easier to catch insects.
Flowers : The plant produces small flowers, but they are not ornamentally spectacular. They are unisexual, with separate male and female plants.

Short guide to Nepenthes alata care:

Light : Nepenthes alata prefers bright indirect light. It can tolerate lower light, but the traps will be less colorful and smaller.

Water : Growers generally use rainwater, distilled or demineralized water - but the plant also adapts to watering with regular water. The substrate should 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 lower humidity conditions, but the cups will not be as vigorous and healthy.

Substrate : Use a well-draining substrate made from sphagnum moss, perlite and pine bark. Do not plant Nepenthes in regular soil, as its roots need an aerated, nutrient-poor mixture. We recommend a substrate for insectivores .

Temperature : This species prefers moderate to high temperatures, between 20-30°C during the day and above 15°C at night. Nepenthes alata is relatively resistant to temperature variations, but temperatures that are too low can affect its growth.

Fertilization : Normally, Nepenthes alata does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from the insects it catches. If it is grown indoors, where it does not catch many insects, you can spray it with a diluted solution of orchid fertilizer once a month.

By respecting 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 danger to humans. Their digestive juice is at most a good hand sanitizer!

Height with pot included: approx. 15 cm
Pot diameter: 8.5-9 cm

Note: The cups of this plant are sensitive and may show defects/damage due to temperature and humidity variations. Under optimal care conditions, the plant will develop new cups in a short time.