Question

Unknown Nepenthes   QUESTION: Hi Jeff/Jacob,

I was wondering if you might be able to identify this Nepenthes for me. It was purchased from you at the Saturday Market a few years ago and the tag was lost. It seems to be growing well and produces multiple pitchers every year, this being the biggest and best pitcher yet after repotting this year, just wonder what kind it is. As the pitchers are getting bigger each year, would it be better to have it hanging or is it okay for the pitchers to sit on the window ledge?

Thank you for your time

ANSWER: Hi Djoni,

This is probably one of the "Poi Dogs", which are unnamed Hawaiian hybrids.  From this plant's appearance, I would say it's a Nepenthes spathulata hybrid.  It looks like it is going to be a big plant.

Whether to hang it or not is personal preference.  They are perfectly fine sitting on a counter or windowsill.  

Nice plant!

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Jeff. It was repotted into a 6" pot this year. How long do you think I should wait to repot it again into a bigger pot if it is going to be a big plant. There is another plant that came up growing off the old stem that makes it look like there are 2 plants (this also is forming a pitcher this year), can these be divided like sarracenia?

Again, really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Answer
Hi Djoni,

With Nepenthes you often just need to make a judgement call.  They don't mind being a little root-bound, so if it's growing well you can leave it alone.  If you want to transplant it now it's fine.  I usually like to transplant about every 2-3 years depending on how crowded the plant seems to be.

There really is no division on Nepenthes.  They are a stem-forming vine, not a rhizome like Sarracenia.  When you see new offshoots they are usually nodes forming a new stem, and don't have their own root system.  If you break one off you need to root it as a cutting.

Good Growing!

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