Question

Pitcher   I bought this Pitcher @June 1st at New Orleans orchid show.  Can I keep it outdoors in this hot humidity?  Or will it thrive better inside?  Right where I took the photo it automatically turns every few minutes, gets some direct sun, hanging under trellis on south side of house.  I water every day, unless it rains.

In addition, do I need to put water in existing AND new pitchers?



Matthew

Answer
Hi Matt,

This location looks fine for summer.  Your plant is a Nepenthes "deRooses Alata", which is N. (alata x ventricosa)x alata.  They are a vigorous grower, and a great first time Nepenthes. It should be able to stay in this location until late fall, or whenever your temperatures start approaching the 40's, then it will need to come indoors.  Nepenthes originate from Southeast Asia, mostly Indonesia and Mayalasia, and are quite used to hot, humid weather.

If you lost the fluid in pitchers during transport it is helpful to put some water in the pitchers, but you should only need to do that once.  New pitchers produce their own fluid, and if the plant is able to get rain, that will take care of the pitchers naturally.  The lids keep most of the rain out, but a little gets in.  Here's a link to some general growing information:  http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets/

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com