Pitchers, Fascinating Carnivores
Most plants receive their nutrients solely from the soil and air. They take up nitrogen, water and other needed materials by capillary action. They soak it up through the roots and distribute it through the stem and leaves. But carnivorous plants supplement their ‘diet’ with insects and even occasionally small reptiles. That’s what makes carnivorous plants all so interesting - their difference.
There are hundreds of species of carnivorous plants and the tropical Pitcher Plant is one of the most fascinating. Nepenthes, as they are often called, are natives of the jungles of Asia, Australia and other Pacific Rim islands. The name ‘pitcher’ derives from the shape of a swelling in the leaves that provides a cup from which monkeys will sometimes drink. That provides yet another name for these plants: Monkey Cups.
Special compounds secreted by the plant produce an odor that attracts insects. The fine hairs around the pitcher then trap the insect and digestive enzymes break down the prey until it’s consumed.
Like other houseplants, Nepenthes requires some care. Not surprisingly, given where they evolved, they enjoy warm conditions with indirect sunlight and dappled shade. They should get not too much sun, nor too little. Either extreme will produce problems. Thin, weak leaves are the result of too little sunlight, dead areas on the leaves a sign of too much.
Any extended period of cold weather (below about 50F - 10C) will damage the plant, so if you keep them on the porch be sure to bring them in when the nights grow cool. They’ll tolerate high temperatures (up to 95F - 35C) very well.
The amount of water to provide is again guided by their evolutionary history. They thrive in humid conditions and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Occasional gushers of water are perfectly fine, provided there is adequate drainage. In fact, a rare profuse watering is healthy since it helps flush excess salts. This is best done with collected rainwater or distilled water.
Ordinary fertilizer isn’t best for these unusual plants. Just supply them with the right kind of soil. Unmilled sphagnum with about 40% perlite is a great combination, but many other types are available. Peat moss, fir bark and other compounds help these plants thrive. A small amount of Miracid fertilizer (1/8 teaspoon per quart of water) can be added to plants that look sickly.
Many Nepenthes, reflecting their jungle origin, grow in the form of vines, so they make for a great decorative element. Give them a pot with a central stake and some wires to make a hanging basket and you have a delightful addition to the indoor garden. They may take as long as seven years to flower when grown from seed, though, so be patient.
One particularly interesting variety grows in the mountain jungles of South America: Sun Pitcher Plants. They’ll do well with moderate humidity and cooler temperatures, in the range of (60F-80F/16C-27C). They thrive especially well in a greenhouse or terrarium where the conditions can be carefully controlled.