Question
Hello. I live in San Diego(Here's the weather: http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/92116), and I am wondering if I can grow a Truncata strictly outdoors? The humidity can sometimes reach as low as 15% a few days of the year, and I know I might have to garage it during winter? Thanks!

Answer

Nep. 'Black Knight'  

Nepenthes 'lowii x cam   I have found that Nepenthes 'truncata' being a Lowland Nepenthes thrives best with partial sun and needs a less 50% and humidity or you may see some drying out of leaves with smaller pitchers. I grow most of my carnivorous plants in terrariums but like in the case of this wonderful larger Nepenthes I had to move back to a 5 gallon pot with very good drainage where the pitchers got to be almost a foot long with a great RED coloring just before I traded it off for a smaller plant I could use in my terrariums! Just note that your plant will appreciate the tray watering style with the great drainage and may not do as well without that humidity over 50%. Those cooler nights temperatures are important because of this being a Lowland type Nepenthes all things to keep in check and do your best to give to this wonderful plant! The best of luck and happy growing, from your friend Dan. Know I am here for you and in most cases Nepenthes will adapt to a wide variety of growing conditions but just know that lighting, humidity, with cooler nights help keep this great plant thriving with color and great size pitchers!  Note: 'Photos of two of my, Lowland Nepenthes in Terrarium settings'