N. spectabilis

[SamInLondon]

I have a N. spectabilis I bought about one year ago. It arrived with damaged roots, so has taken some time to settle in and produce leaves.

The thing is, it still seems to be extremely s-l-o-w. It has produced only about four new leaves since I've had it, and only one pitcher (about 2 months ago). It's the North Sumatra Clone 1 from BE (BE-3179). My temperatures are more intermediate than highland at the moment (say 17/22 degrees C) and humidity averages around 50%. It is getting plenty of light, especially in the mornings, and has developed those typical red leaves in the sun. It's planted in lfs with some bark and perlite.

I just wondered whether there was anyone out there who grew spectabilis in similar windowsill conditions and, if so, what their experiences were. Is it fussy about humidity? Does it prefer shadier conditions? Perhaps it's just a case of waiting but I'd be interested to hear others' views.

Edited April 23, 2009 by SamInLondon

[manders]

They're definitely not the fastest, mines in conservatory and gets good light and some sunlight, had it a few years and its starting to get biggish, pitchers are sporadic and small. There's no sign of sunburn on any of my leaves so i'm guessing it could handle a lot more sun. Mine came from a french grower, don't know the origin but could be BE.

Just noticed that my biggest pitcher (which is small) is half buried in the moss.

[nadja77]

I got mine about 7 month ago and it took quite a while to settle in, but after three month or so it grew several leaves with pitcher and a basal rosette with (now) 3 smaller pitchers.

I do not have a green house so my plants live outside most of the time with temps varying between 20 and 35 degrees in summer (which is coming to an end. ) It got full sun during most of the afternoon with humidity mostly between 60% and 70%.

The medium is mainly peat with some orchid bark and perlite.

These are just the conditions mine does well in, the Nep experts on the forum can give you better advice.

They are beautiful plants, hopefully yours will grow for you soon!

[Icarus]

i got my one for about a month and it already produced 2 new leafes with 2 big pitchers :) (in relation to the whole plant). It grows extremely fast in my opinion, other highland species are much slower. My conditions are: 24° C 85% humidity at day, less than 14°C 95+% humidity at night. During the day it gets alot of light (3* 15W T5 30cm above the plant). And ofc its well colored. Good luck with yours.

[Derek]

I agree with Icarus. It's a very fast growing plant. I have 3 different ones from different locations and all are growing like weeds. I suspect the first problem is that it's too hot at night. My highlanders go down to 10C. I use more or less the same media as you, but they recieve less light. The big plants (which are producing pitchers in excess of 30cms, and leaves up to 40cms) are standing on a bench next to the ground. I put one bench in the growhouse low down so I could get the maximum benefit from the vines. There's no real direct sun down there, but a more filtered light. Also, the temperature is far cooler than up on the higher benches. In fact, the new spectabilis (Sibuyatan) is up higher and the leaves aren't nearly as healthy as the ones on the ground. So light could well be a factor.

[SamInLondon]

Thanks for all your comments.

Derek, I did wonder both about the night temps and about the light levels. The first is less easy to control in my conditions, but I could perhaps try moving the plant to a slightly shadier spot. Are the leaves on your plants suntanned?

As for temps, I had read on other forums that this particular BE clone was a vigorous plant, and even Rob himself suggested to a lowland grower in Singapore. In addition, there were other clones he said were growing well in lowland conditions (he didn't say which ones). Is there one particular version that is less fussy for you?

Those large pitchers sound amazing. I'd love to see a photo if you're willing.

Sam

[fly guy]

Hi, I think that the problem is in the low level of humidity.

I grow mine N. spectabilis (Pangulubao) for 2 years in highland terrarium 10-18C winter, 17-25C summer). I noticed that the plant can tolerate higher temperatures, even to 30 C, but only in high humidity. Humidity in my terrarium doesn't drop below 85%. However, when I had problems with my mist system and humidity dropped below 70%, my n. spectabilis lost his pitchers rapidly.

I don't think that those red leaves mean problems. I read that in habitat Spectabilis grows in rather shady places (i.a. like ampullaria). I noticed that under my artificial light (4 x 39W T5), leaves of such species become red, but the plant itself is OK if humidity is high.

So, I think that in your case it is all about humidity.

[SirKristoff]

I grow the North Sumatra clone as well, and the pangulobau variety

My North Sumatra clone recently flowered, so if you didnt know, its a male plant as there is only one clone of the North Sumatra Spectabilis. Mine has recently begun vining and is a fast grower in my eyes. I had a couple of 9 inch pitchers which i recently snipped to preserve since they were getting a bit on the older side. My pangulobau spectabilis is very young still, only 4 inches in diameter.

The pollen from my spect went to a grower in Thailand to make a new hybrid, N. viking x spectabilis, so expect to see some plants of that in awhile.

I grow my spectabilis as an ultrahighlander along with my other neps.

[SamInLondon]

Thanks all for your replies. I'm going to move the plant to a shadier part of the growing area to see if this makes a difference. I have read in various places that it likes a little less light than some other highlanders. Will let you know how I get on.

[bass guy]

mine responded most to increased humidity.