Question
hello snw, i recently ordered a n.northinia. I feel incredibly stupid for doing so. A day after i ordered it i read information about it saying it is an absolute nightmare for indoor conditions! so i asked Christopher about it and he said he has no experience with n.northinia at all and to ask you. i have heard this thing dies at even the slightest change in temp or humidity and if you can manage to satisfy its crazy ultralowland needs that it overtakes your living space like a bicalcarata! i also read that it dies or is stunted in soils that would work for other neps like mosses.i should have read more about it when i purchased it but the people selling said it was highland and was easy to grow. now its on its way here (thank god it hasn't arrived yet) and they cant cancel the order. can you confirm or deny the information listed and give me some advice.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Steven,

Yes, this species is an ultra lowland, very much like bicalcarata, sumatrana and merrilliana.  And like other ultra lowland species, northiana grows very large.  Being in Oregon, we don't work with these types of Nepenthes at all since we're not able to maintain constant warm temperatures throughout the year.

The soil requirements is a bit different than other lowland Nepenthes, though no one knows for sure what the limits are.  In general, it prefers a slightly alkaline soil rather than acidic.  Some growers achieve this by using limestone or coral gravel (check with an aquarium supply store).  

As far as being a temperamental plant, it's hard to say if it's temperamental because of growing conditions or plants coming from tissue culture.  (I'm assuming this plant is from tissue culture since seed grown species are actually a bit rare.)  Sometimes tissue cultured plants will remain small and relatively temperamental for the first few years.  As it matures, it becomes more resilient.  

In your case, I highly recommend placing the plant in a heated terrarium with lots of bright fluorescent lights.  After that, contact other growers that would be interested in a trade.  There are growers who might have the set up for this plant.  Another option is to contact the nursery and ask for an exchange.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin