Highland Nepenthes Updates

Nepenthes inermis x ventricosa

Now that the chill of winter has been upon us for months, the highland and ultra highland plants are looking awesome! It's been very easy to cool them to around 50 degrees at night, and keep them at or below 70 degrees during the day. All I have to do is open the window and let the icy air inside.

Nepenthes jamban x dubia

The first photo was of a Nepenthes inermis x ventricosa, which I had purchased at the NECPS fall show. Interestingly, the pitchers aren't as pure yellow as back then, but we'll see how it develops. This second photo is of a jamban x dubia, which I also picked up at the show. It has been doing very well. (I've discovered that both parents are very sensitive to pesticides, which, unfortunately, I've had to use a couple times due to new pests that got introduced prior to my implementation of strict quarantine procedures).

Nepenthes spectabilis x jacquelineae

It's amazing how crosses can result in such convergent pitchers! This Nepenthes spectabilis x jacquelineae and the Nepenthes eymae x (izumiae x jacquelineae) below look very, very similar, to me at least. The shape and color are slightly different, but, right now, it is hard to differentiate them.

Nepenthes eymae x (izumiae x jacquelineae)

I do like the rich pinks and burnt oranges on both of these plants. I think that they'll be real show-stoppers when when grow up. (Right now, pitchers are hovering around 3" on average).

Nepenthes aristolochioides x jacquelineae

Ah, the grand prize of my collection, Nepenthes aristolochioides x jacquelineae. It definitely has a strong aristolochioides influence, but it does not look pure at all. (This cross was handmade with jacquelineae pollen and female aristo flowers). I really have no idea how this plant will turn out. In any case, I can't wait to see.

Nepenthes spathulata x (talangensis x spectabilis)

Lastly, my Nepenthes spathulata x (talangensis x spectabilis) has turned from orange to pink! This ought to be a very interesting cross. (I believe Dean might have a few left, if anyone is interested). I predict that the pitchers will end up large and richly mottled. They should be quite magnificent.