Question
QUESTION: Hi guys!  I'm looking at putting in another purchase from you guys in the coming days and was wondering if you had any tips for N. Lowii.  It certainly is an interesting plant, and I have had some people suggest it to me as a nice addition to my collection.  You guys are constantly reminding us that Nepenthes do not need super high humidity to flourish, but it seems that this plant might have stricter requirements then others.  What are some of the special requirements for growing this plant, and what type of humidity range is absolutely necessary for this plant to flourish?  Thanks again, your help is always appreciated!

ANSWER: Hi Trevor,

Nepenthes lowii is definitely one that benefits from elevated humidity.  In our Nepenthes house they are in an area along with N. rajah and N. hamata that gets misted.  70% is often a good ballpark figure.  In general, N. lowii isn't a difficult grower, just slow.  They like it cool, moist and bright.

One easy and fun way to get the misty conditions that this plant likes, especially if you have it in a large terrarium, is to use ultrasonic misters.  These are often sold in pet supply places for frogs or lizard.  They will generate cool mist, and they look really dramatic in a set-up.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So you would not suggest growing this plant without a terrarium?  Or do you think it would eventually adapt to lower humidity conditions, maybe around 40%-50%?

Answer
Hi Trevor,

You could give it a try, but my guess is that growth will be painfully slow.  N. lowii isn't a fast grower anyway.  Lowii has a fairly thick leaf, so it will probably adapt the the lower humidity.  You just need to be very patient if your going to grow it this way.  You'll get the best growth on the plant in a lighted terrrarium or a greenhouse.

Plants of this genre, ultra-highlanders, tend to be different than plants like N. truncata or N. sanguinea.  These plants are perfectly happy and houseplants doing great in sunny windows.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com