Bizarre Behavior: Nepenthes aristolochioides x spectabilis

Nepenthes aristolochioides x spectabilis

One of the great joys of gardening is seeing what bizarre things your plants do. Gardening with carnivores is no different. Take this Nepenthes aristolochioides hybrid for example. If you look at the first photograph, you'd see a strong aristo influence. That's not too surprising. Most aristo hybrids are heavily influenced by the aristo parent. In fact, this pitcher has such a strong influence it almost looks like a pure aristo.

Nepenthes aristolochioides x spectabilis

Earlier pitchers, however, have less of an aristo influence. This exceptionally tubby pitcher appears to be halfway between both parents. Although it still displays a strong aristo influence, that influence is not nearly as strong as with the newer, just opening pitcher. So how do the other pitchers on the plant look?

Nepenthes aristolochioides x spectabilis

Some are just bizarre. This one, for instance. It looks almost as if the pitcher did not form correctly. The hairy brown tendril which inflates and creates a pitcher appears to have done so, but, instead of the typical pitcher form and coloration taking over, this pitcher appears largely influenced by the hairy brown tendril itself. (I've had one other pitcher do this to me. That was on another plant and occurred a year or two ago).

Nepenthes aristolochioides x spectabilis

The one other fully formed pitcher is nice and dark. It is, perhaps, my favorite pitcher on the whole plant. It is nice, dark, and quite pretty. I hope future pitchers will be more like this one.