Intermediate & Highland Updates

Nepenthes spathulata x (talangensis x spectabilis) 

I'm very impressed with this Nepenthes spathulata x (talangensis x spectabilis). The stripped peristome and colorful pitchers are quite stunning, even at a juvenile stage. I'll be very interested to see how this plant turns out as the pitchers mature.

Nepenthes ventricosa

Speaking of maturing pitchers, my Nepenthes ventricosa is now producing mature pitchers. What I find interesting about its pitchers is the red speckling on the pitcher body. I can see how it would be very easy to confuse Nepenthes ventricosa, Nepenthes burkeii, and the third Nepenthes ventricosa-esque species which is just entering cultivation and is, as of yet, not formally described. (I forget the location designation).

Nepenthes 'Lady Pauline'

One of the biggest stunners in this part of the collection is my Nepenthes 'Lady Pauline'. In terms of intermediate/highland hybrids, this is the one that everyone should consider getting. I've had absolutely no setback with this plant after receiving it and every leaf has produced a pitcher, despite the sometimes arid conditions of my house. It's quite a remarkable plant.

Nepenthes maxima "Dark" x Unknown

The hands-down winner of the largest pitchers in my collection go to my Nepenthes maxima "Dark" x Unknown, which has recently gone on quite the growth spurt. In the last two months it has grown two feet! And, it's now producing the largest pitcher I've seen in my collection! I'm very excited!

Nepenthes ventricosa x (aristolochioides x thorelii)

Lastly, I wanted to share this Nepenthes ventricosa x (aristolochioides x thorelii). It's a remarkably well performing plant that has not slowed down since I received it, and a true intermediate. Unlike other aristolochioides hybrids, it does not require temperatures as cool as aristolochioides, thanks to the influence of Nepenthes thorelii. One thing to note, the thorelii parent probably isn't actually thorelii, but, actually, some other species from Laos of Vietnam.