Question
N. alata
I have a N. alata that I got from a nursery last saturday. I repoted it into a pot twice as big as it was already in. It's in a mix of one part lsfm, shagnum peat moss, and sand. I grow it in west window. Overhead water every other day or two. Spray at night and in the morning. I want to prune it should I and how much? Can it handle tap water? Any recommendations?
AnswerHi Preston,
Your plant is actually an alata hybrid, Nepenthes alata x (alata x ventricosa). It's often mislabeled as Nepenthes alata, but it's not a true species.
In any case, this plant is very easy to grow, and you literally have to go out of your way to kill it. The soil mix is a bit on the wet side, and my preference is to keep it well drained. If I were to use the ingredients you've described, I would use 1 part sphagnum moss, 1 part peat moss and 2 parts sand. Since you already have your plant potted up, avoid disturbing its roots again. Instead, water your plant less frequently. Water it only when the top of the soil is beginning to lose moisture. If you water too frequently with the soil mixture you have, the plant may experience root rot. Depending on your indoor climate, you can probably water once to twice weekly.
It's also not at all necessary to mist your plant. This hybrid adapts very well to lower humidity of most homes. I have one in my south window that I don't mist at all. It grows very prolifically. Just know that misting won't hurt, but it won't help the plant either. Misting only helps if you mist every hour throughout the day. Otherwise, let your plant adapt to its new surroundings.
You may also see pitcher decline. This is normal whenever a Nepenthes adapts to its new environment. Clip off the pitchers as they dry up. Look for new pitchers in the upcoming months.
Your plant isn't quite large enough for pruning. Wait until it's in its vining stage before pruning.
You plant will tolerate tap water as long as the following conditions are met:
1) The water is less than 200 parts per million in dissolved minerals.
2) You top water and allow the water to drain completely from the pot.
3) You repot your plant on a yearly basis.
4) The water is NOT chlorinated with chloramines. (Check with your local water bureau for this information.)
Good growing!
Jacob Farin
