Question
Hi guys, I'm interested in learning how to propagate nepenthes from tissue culture.  I have some small nepenthes that are not large enough to take leaf cuttings from, that I would love to propagate.  I know it can be done but I've heard in is challenging. Have you guys tried this before?  Would you know of a place I can get started?

Sincerely,

JJ

Answer
Hi JJ,

If you want to learn tissue culture Carolina Biological has some nice kits for Venus flytraps.  It always helps to start with an easy species before moving to a very difficult species such as Nepenthes or Sarracenia.

We tried a small set-up a few years ago and had some success, but for the trouble, and the high failure rate, we decided it was far more trouble than it was worth compared to normal propagation methods.  Getting the level of sterilization needed isn't easy in a home environment, and even big labs such as Agristarts III have difficulty.

As far as I know Nepenthes have proven near impossible to strike from meristem tissue.  Nearly all Nepenthes tissue culture is done from seed.

Good Growing!

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