Question
Hello, I got a Nepenthes Mikei from you guys a week ago and it looks fabulous.  I have the plant placed under two 40-watt cool white fluorescent bulbs,the soil is moist to the touch, and it is a mix of 1/3 coconut husk, 1/3 long-fiber sphagnum moss, 1/3 perlite, and the soil drains well and the roots have air circulation.  I repot the plant and I already see some progress.


My Nepenthes Mikei is 2 inches tall and I'm wondering around how long will it take to start producing adult size pitchers because they are only 1/4 of an inch in length. Please let me know, thank you.

Answer
Hi Agustin,

In general, Nepenthes grow slowly in cultivation.  This is especially true with young plants.  Some species, like N. mikei will stay small for the first couple years, and then they'll go into a growth spurt.  You can also look forward to more rapid growth as we progress into spring, summer and fall.  But time and patience are key when growing Nepenthes.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin