Bicals and Amps, Oh My!

Nepenthes bicalcarata

There's a reason Nepenthes bicalcarata is my favorite Nepenthes species. It's just so stunning! And, this close especially. It has a nice orange color, two, even fangs, and a nice rounded pitcher shape. In this picture, you can even see the tendril swelling where a specific species of carpenter ant, Camponotus schmitzi, would ordinarily make its home.

Nepenthes bicalcarata

I couldn't stop at just one picture of this amazing pitcher. I had to get another. It's just so...so sinister.

Nepenthes bicalcarata

One of the cool things about growing more than one variation of a species is that you can really see the wide disparity of characteristics between individuals. This variant, unlike the orange one above, has longer, thinner pitchers, thicker, stouter, less even teeth.

Nepenthes bicalcarata

In this picture you can really see that someone needs braces...just kidding. The shape of the pitcher is obviously different, however, somewhat less impressive than the first one. (I actually have a third bical, but it wasn't producing any nice pitchers worth photographing at the moment).

Nepenthes ampullaria

Nepenthes ampullaris is such a charmer! It's fat little pitchers are fantastic! (And quite prolific, given the right conditions). It's amazing to think that this plant had a 3" leaf span only a year ago. Now, it's got a large vine and several large basal growths.

Nepenthes ampullaria

Seriously, this plant is getting massive! I'm going to have to repot it into a larger container soon, or start rooting off basals. I really like this plant, and I'm glad it has done so well for me.

Nepenthes ampullaria

Lastly,  had to take a photo of this curious pitcher on my green ampullaria. It has a nice red streak in the back of the pitcher, Quite nice. I'm looking forward to more basals sprouting on this plant.