Lowland Nepenthes Care: Bicalcarata and Ampullaria in Windowsills

Question: Received N. bicalcarata and N. ampullaria. Windowsill: humidity 43–66%, temp 75–84°F. Okay? Plan to use coco-chips and LFS. Which coco-chip brand? Wash for salt? T12 lights okay? Eventually building greenhouse for bicalcarata.

Answer

Hi Nicole,

Conditions sound good. Search online for coco-chips (orchid supplies). Rinse thoroughly to remove salt—chips have less issue than coir.

T12 lights fine. N. bicalcarata and N. ampullaria are shade-tolerant jungle plants. Animal Planet's Orangutan Island showed orangutans drinking from N. ampullaria on forest floor.

Follow-up: Read bicalcarata likes wetter mix: equal parts peat/perlite/vermiculite/LFS okay? Repot now or wait? 6" pots big enough? CFLs: only find 9W "40W equivalent" energy savers—what type?

Answer

N. bicalcarata is bog-like; that mix works. Standard CP mix also fine. Transplant when ready; 6" pots last years. CFLs okay—both species tolerate lower light.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com