Re: Nepenthes Stuff

From: Perry Malouf (pmalouf@access.digex.net)
Date: Wed Feb 11 1998 - 18:12:02 PST


Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 21:12:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Perry Malouf <pmalouf@access.digex.net>
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg561$foo@default>
Subject: Re: Nepenthes Stuff

dr.cap wrote:

> 1. Is there really a need to separate highland and lowland species because
> of temperature? Couldn't they all just grow together in the same terrarium
> with a "medium" temperature?

You will find, after enduring pain, suffering and frustration, that
Nepenthes _thrive_ when they're given exactly what they want. Otherwise
they just "casually exist" which means they don't look their best.

Yes, you can grow some highlanders and lowlanders together in "compromise
conditions". Although they'll survive, they won't look that great.
Pitcher production will suffer, growth will be slow....

Some growers are proposing _four_ growth zones for Nepenthes: lowland,
highland, ultrahighland, and a level between lowland and highland (medium-
land?). Bicalcarata and ampullaria would be examples of lowland,
tentaculata and fusca would be examples of highland, rajah and villosa
would be examples of ultra highland, and maxima and sanguinea (I think)
would be examples of "medium-land".

This is based on some peoples' experience that the plants do best
when given the conditions of their natural habitat.

> 2. Is there any big difference in the type of soil needed between
> highlanders and lowlanders? Is an "all live sphagnum with a bit of charcoal
> and perlite" mixture okay for Neps? Which soil mix can go the longest
> without going bad?

Some growers have found that ultra-highlanders do better in a soil that
has a high mineral content. Spahgnum/perlite/charcoal will do nicely
for a wide range of Nepenthes, though. As to which soil mix goes the
longest without going bad, it depends on the conditions you're providing.
For me, rehydrated dry sphagnum and perlite lasts a while. For Cliff
Dodd, the stuff breaks down very fast (he lives in Florida, where the
conditions are warmer than the DC area most of the year).

> 3. To support my Nepenthes as they get taller I was thinking of adding some
> kind of branch or something natural that would add a nice touch to my
> terrarium.

If you let the vines hang under the pot, you'll promote more basal growth.
But I understand that that's hard to do in a terrarium.

> 4. Does the legendary "Superthrive" really exist?

Yes it exists. If you live in Alexandria, VA then you're not too
far away from Kensingon (MD) Orchids. They sell it. I don't know
who carries it in the Commonwealth. Anyway, your plants are not
lacking much without it. You'd do best to concentrate on temperature,
lighting, and humidity first.

Regards,

Perry Malouf
(Bethesda, MD)



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