Trying the DSLR

Nepenthes robcantleyi

Last week, all the major parts of the DSLR arrived at my house. Naturally, it was time to try it out on some plants. It does have a bit of a steep learning curve, compared to the older, film-based DSLR I used to borrow and the modern point-and-shoots (including my phone) that I usually use.

Nepenthes maxima x veitchii (Nepenthes x tiveyi)

The definition of the photographs is absolutely amazing! And, it's also clear to me why Nepenthes x tiveyi is one of the most desired crosses. The pitchers are absolutely stunning!

Nepenthes maxima "dark" x alata

My giant Nepenthes maxima "dark" x alata is still doing quite well, and has held on to a couple pitchers for a few months now. The dark "spots" on the upper right of the picture, on the leaf are actually nectar glands. The nectar starts off clear but then turns dark, probably due to bacterial action. I'm actually surprised by the number of nectar glands on this plant.

Nepenthes ventricosa x (aristolochioides x "thorelli")

This Nepenthes ventricosa x (aristolochioides x "thorelli") is one of the easiest Nepenthes that I grow. It came to me bareroot in the middle of winter and has consistently produced a pitcher on every leaf, which is an anomaly, especially in the dry environment of winter. It is a nice little plant.

Nepenthes maxima "dark" x alata

Some of the shots, like this one, came out remarkably. The lighting was just so good!

Nepenthes 'Rokko' (Intermediate Pitcher)

This photo is a little blurry, but you can see an Osmocote fertilizer pellet just under the pitcher rim of this Nepenthes 'Rokko' pitcher. I learned, as I was placing a few pellets in the pitcher, that it produces incredibly sticky "glue" on the edge of the pitcher. I was actually pretty surprised by how thick and strong that "glue" was, and I wonder how many insects get trapped on the outside of the pitcher.