Identifying a Nursery Nepenthes: Likely N. ventricosa

Kelvin bought a Nepenthes two days ago, kept it at 30°C/50% RH by a shaded window. Photos show waxy leaves with slight red. Asks for ID and when pitchers will open.

ID: Nepenthes ventricosa

Waxy appearance and developing red point to N. ventricosa. N. sanguinea has whitish leaf residue; N. lowii is rarely in retail. Definitive ID needs mature pitchers.

Slow Growth Is Normal

Nepenthes grow in weeks/months, not days. Existing pitcher should open in days; new ones take 3–4 weeks. Place in moderately sunny window, keep soil moist. Most need more sun than retail tags suggest. Care sheets at cobraplant.com/caresheets.

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