ID Pitcher plant

[Garden Bear]

I need help with this I'v never had one and don't know jack about them and don't know why I got it but is sure need I could look it up on the web but I would like some one who has grows them and give me first hand help on there care what kind of light do they need do I feed them like other house plants do they need to be damp OK I need HELP

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Garden Bear

[Cazimere]

I had one for a couple years GB. I never fertilized it, kept it moist, and in a bright window, WITHOUT direct sunlight. :)

Yours looks like, Nepenthes, Tropical Pitcher, or Monkey Cup.

[Jake]

I bought one of those from a local nursery, they had it labeled Nepenthes Alata

[xvart]

It's a Nepenthes x ventrata. It's a hybrid between N. alata and N. ventricosa. I would go easy on the ferts as carnivorous plants like nutrient free soil. The best way to fertilize them is through the pitchers. You can drop a few drops of milk or throw a few dead bugs in the pitchers every couple weeks or so. Be careful with fertilizing through the soil; I use some orchid fertilizer (can't remember the brand right now but I'll look and let you know if you want later) at 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water every two weeks. The next time you water you should flush the pot out well because if there is a buildup of minerals or nutrients you could harm the roots.

Otherwise, use distilled water and give it good sun. You window will do just fine there. You'll soon want more and more pitcher plants. I love them! I'm thinking about trading or giving away a lot of my other CP species to make more room for more Nepenthes.

xvart.

[xvart]

How's it holding up Garden Bear?

xvart.

[Garden Bear]

xvart, its doing well I only lost one flower on it and there is lots of new growth so I must be doing some thing right. can I take cuttings for a new plant or how do I get a new plant from this one ??

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Garden Bear

[xvart]

Well, propogating can get a little tricky as Nepenthes are either male or female; however, you can take cuttings once it has started to vine. You'll notice that eventually they plant will start producing nodes at greater distance apart than it currently is. 'Ventrata' vines quickly. When it does, you can just cut the vine every couple leaves and attempt to plant those. Some species you can root by simply putting in water. Others will not work that way.

Additionally, when you take a cutting the plant will sometimes produce a basal offshoot.

xvart.