Question
Hello,

I have been looking through your selection of Nepenthes trying to decide what one would be a good starter plant, boy thats a hard choose when you want to have one of each! ;) But because I am new to tropical pitcher plant's, I wanted to first try a relatively less expensive, and easer to grow plant. So I have narrowed it down to N. macfarlanei. But before I made my order, I first wanted to find out if the place that I was wanting to put it would be safe for it. The place that I would like to put is at an unobscured East window, and right over my kitchen sink. It would get full sun until around 10.30 am, and diffuse reflected light thereafter. Would that be enough/or to much light? I do have a florescent fixture with two grow light tubes that would be directly over it to supplement it if need be.
And I was also wondering (my main concern) if there would be any possibility of the fumes from detergents (ammonia,bleach,dish soap. etc) harming the plant? as it would get steam baths every time I do dishes. Thanks so much for any advice, and have a nice day!

Brent


Answer
Hi Brent,

Nepenthes macfarlanei is a fine plant, but if this is your first time with Nepenthes, let me suggest N. sanguinea, or N. truncata.  Both of these are vigorous growers that will love your sunny window.  They both grow into large beautiful plants, and are quite low maintainence.

Your window sounds great.  The dishwashing chemicals are not usually a problem, but be conscientious when using them.  I just try to make sure I'm not splashing on the plants.  I have sundews and butterworts over my kitchen sink, and they are far more sensitive than Nepenthes, and I've had no problems.


Good Growing!

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