Nepenthes Seedlings: A Year of Growth

Nepenthes maxima "dark" x 'Effulgent Koto'

A bit more than a year ago, I got my some Nepenthes seed that was a cross between Nepenthes maxima "dark" x 'Effulgent Koto'. They germinated quickly, and have grown fairly rapidly. Or, rather, a few specimens have grown rapidly. Above, you can see some of the more vigorous plants.

Nepenthes maxima "dark" x 'Effulgent Koto'

Actually, what you can really see in the photo of all the plants in 2.5" pots is that the plants nearer the interior of the terrarium are doing better than the ones farther away. I'm guessing this has to do with the more consistent temperatures and brighter light nearer the interior.

Nepenthes maxima "dark" x 'Effulgent Koto'

Obviously, these guys are too young to be able to tell how these plants will turn out, but I'm excited to see how they change over time. Already, the pitchers are a pleasing plump shape, something which I hope continues into adulthood. (Given the parents, however, I doubt that they will).

Nepenthes maxima "dark" x 'Effulgent Koto'

It's also interesting to see how the lowland influence from 'Effulgent Koto' has really given these plants a nice vigor, unlike their highland cousins. I will soon have to make more room to plant out these plants further.

Some Highland Nepenthes

Compare those Nepenthes maxima "dark" x 'Effulgent Koto' seedlings with the highland seedlings above, which are just about the same age. (These are also hybrids with Nepenthes maxima "dark). It's remarkable to see the difference.