Nepenthes ventricosa
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 Pitcher of N. ventricosa. Cultivated plant.
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| Nepenthes ventricosa Blanco (1837) |
Nepenthes ventricosa (New Latin: ventricosus = having a swelling on one side) is a species of pitcher plant, native to the Philippines, where it is a highland species, growing at 1200-1500 m altitude in montane rainforests. It is an epiphyte often growing scrambling through shrubs. It is a medium-sized species. The pitchers are numerous, growing up to 9 inches tall, pale green or streaked with red, or red in some cultivars.
N. ventricosa is very closely related to N. burkei, but can be distinguished by a more waisted middle to the pitchers, smaller mouth and thinner peristome.
[edit] Cultivation
N. ventricosa is considered one of the simplest tropical pitcher plants to grow. It prefers lower temperatures than many Nepenthes species, ranging from 14 °C to 20 °C. However, Nepenthes ventricosa is very hardy and tolerate temperatures as high as 35 °C, as long as it is not in full sunlight, and can also take as low as 5 °C at night for brief periods. Even after taking damage it recovers swiftly, sometimes just hours after changing the environment after taking sun damage if there has not been any tissue death.
Nepenthes ventricosa is best grown outside in part shade where it gets watered often and is provided with high amounts of humidity. This being the case, it can also be grown as a windowsill plant. It is a good choice for beginners looking to grow tropical pitcher plants.
There is another form of Nepenthes ventricosa usually called Nepenthes ventricosa "red" or "red pitchers". The pitchers on this form are always red.
Nepenthes ventricosa is commonly incorrectly marked and sold in garden centers of certain hardware stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot.
N. ventricosa does not require high humidity levels; plants can be successfully grown in only 40-50% RH.
[edit] References
- Clarke et al. (2000). Nepenthes ventricosa. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006.
- Jebb, M. & Cheek, M. 1997. A Skeletal Revision of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae). Blumea 42(1).
- UConn: Nepenthes ventricosa
- Nepenthes sibuyanensis compared with N. ventricosa
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Miscellaneous: Nepenthes classification • Nepenthes infauna
