Question
QUESTION: Hi.  I have a bright southern window in a bathroom that I'd like to hang a small Nepentes in.  Small being pitchers no bigger than  6 inches and a total plant diameter around 12 inches or so max. Any suggestions? I read a post for small pitchers but it didn't tell about the leaf size much. I live in Portland OR.  I have no ac in the summer. I just received a Ventricosa from you which I think will do great and wanted to get a second Nepenthes.
Thanks!


ANSWER: Hi A,

Keep in mind that Nepenthes are technically vines.  So most will grow into large plants.  Even a Nepenthes ventricosa will get very large in the right type of environment.  So as a grower, you'll need to prune the plant should it grow too large for the space.  Pruning is a very simple process by cutting the vine to the desired length.  

Fortunately, most Nepenthes grow very slowly.  It may take a few years before your plant reaches its vining stage.  Other plants that would grow well for your given location includes:
Nepenthes sanguinea
Nepenthes gymnaphora
Nepenthes ramispina
Nepenthes 'DeRoose Alata'
Nepenthes reinwardtiana
Nepenthes sibuyanensis
Nepenthes mikei
Nepenthes burkei

There are other species, but this is a good list to start with.  For more information about growing Nepenthes, read our care sheets online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the suggestions and pruning tips!  I've done more research and have a list now.
Sibuyanensis
Glabrata
Gymnaphora (does it ever produce upper pitchers?)          
Bellii
Aristolochoides
Lowii

I'm new to Nepenthes so I don't want to get into anything too complex. I do have many other houseplants though. Also now thinking about what you said about the plants eventually growing, I might leave just one plant in the south window when they grow lager. I do have an east window as well that gets maybe 4 or so hours of morning sun (on sunny days that is). How would the list of plants hold up for that light? Or does that change everything?
I also have an open aquarium for some sundews in that window that get 100 watts of compact florescent light for about 6 hours to supplement the lack of full sun. Does that sound about right?
Again thanks for all the helpful info!  

Answer
Since you live in Oregon, I'd advice against growing plants in an east window, especially during the winter months.  We experience a lot of fog during the morning, and we sometimes don't see any sun rays until mid day.  

Of the plants you've listed, I'd avoid N. belli (needs very warm temperatures), N. aristolochoides (grows too slow for the first-time grower) and N. lowii (one of the slowest growing Nepenthes and not tolerant of dry air).  N sibuyanensis is fine, but it can be a challenge if the air gets a bit dry.  Nepenthes glabrata and N. gymnaphora are your best bet.  They acclimate well to most homes and will appreciate the cool Oregon nights.

You can also grow these plants in a terrarium, and your set up seems OK.  Just keep in mind that Nepenthes will eventually outgrow it.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin